Events > The Equality and Human Rights Symposium: Developing the Framework for a Fairer Future

Event Details

Title:

The Equality and Human Rights Symposium:
Developing the Framework for a Fairer Future

Date:

Tuesday 21st October 2008

Time:

10:15am – 3:40pm (followed by networking drinks)

Venue:

One Whitehall Place, Westminster, London

“The Bill and package of measures that I will outline to the House today represent a radical shift in our approach to fighting unfairness, and will breathe fresh life into our equality agenda. Our package of measures includes the equality Bill we promised in our last manifesto, secondary legislation and action by the new Equality And Human Rights Commission. We expect everyone—the public sector, firms which do business with the public sector and companies in the private sector—to play their part.”
— Rt Hon Harriet Harman MP, Minister for Women & Equality, 26th June 2008

“Promoting equality is essential for individuals to fulfil their potential, for the creation of a cohesive society and for a strong economy. A substantial body of equality legislation has been introduced over the last four decades, protecting millions of people from discrimination and promoting greater equality. But the legislation has become complex and hard to understand. This Bill will de-clutter and strengthen the law.”
— Executive Summary: Framework for a Fairer Future – The Equality Bill

Overview

As we approach the first anniversary of the launch of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Government has unveiled the latest package of measures intended to fulfil its pledge to champion equality, protect human rights and tackle discrimination at all levels and on all grounds be it race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion or belief.

In addition to streamlining forty years of complex equality legislation into a single framework, the proposals outlined in Framework for a Fairer Future – The Equality Bill will seek to introduce new measures to “strengthen protection, advance equality and de-clutter the law ”. Key aspects of the upcoming Equality Bill include:

Introduce a New Equality Duty on the Public Sector

End Age Discrimination

Obligate Transparency, Especially on Wage Differentials

Extend the Scope of Positive Action

Strengthen Enforcement

This special Public Policy Exchange Symposium, hosted by the Centre for Parliamentary Studies, offers a timely opportunity for stakeholders and local practitioners to understand and assess the key facets of the proposed legislation and consider its impact on the equality and diversity landscape locally. Delegates will also have the opportunity to engage and network with their peers and discuss the key challenges that lie ahead in moving towards a pro-fairness framework that places greater emphasis on collaboration, empowerment, openness and stronger public duty.

Programme