1. The Institute of Employment Rights Update on equality law 22 October 2008 The Equality and Human Rights Commission Victoria Phillips, Head of Employment Rights, Thompsons Solicitors

2. Name change from The Commission for Equalities and Human Rights To The Equality and Human Rights Commission

3. Legacy Commissions: Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC) Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) Disability Rights Commission (DRC)

4. Discrimination strands Age Religion and belief Disability Gender Race Sexual orientation

5. Tension between Individual complaints based model (funding for strategic litigation particularly in new areas where law uncertain) Vs Enforcement and equality duties (resource intensive but more structural change)

6. Discrimination law review Single equality duty – public sector “Light touch equality check tool” – private sector Two tier workforce Public procurement

7. Challenges Involving partners and champions in its work Map of key workplace challenges Using legal powers swiftly and efficiently Promoting understanding of equality and human rights culture