Equality and Human Rights Commission

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is a non-departmental public body in Great Britain which was established by the Equality Act 2006 and came into being on 1 October 2007. The Commission has responsibility for the promotion and enforcement of equality and non-discrimination laws in England, Scotland and Wales. It took over the responsibilities of three former commissions: the Commission for Racial Equality, the Equal Opportunities Commission (which dealt with gender equality) and the Disability Rights Commission. It also has responsibility for other aspects of equality: age, sexual orientation and religion or belief. As a national human rights institution, it seeks to promote and protect human rights in Great Britain (with the exception of matters falling within the remit of the Scottish Human Rights Commission, SHRC).

The EHRC has offices in Manchester, London, Glasgow and Cardiff. It is classed as a non-departmental public body sponsored by the Government Equalities Office, meaning that it is separate and independent from Government but still accountable for its public funds. The chairman of the Commission is Trevor Phillips who was previously chairman of the Commission for Racial Equality.

The EHRC's functions do not extend to Northern Ireland where there is a separate Equality Commission (ECNI) and a Human Rights Commission (NIHRC), both established under the terms of the Belfast Agreement.

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The EHRC derives its powers from the Equality Act 2006,...
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