Event Details

Title: The Equality and Human Rights Commission:
Developing the Ties That Bind Fairness for All
Date: Tuesday 17th June 2008
Time: 10:00am – 16:30pm
Venue: One Birdcage Walk, Westminster, London

“A society built on fairness and respect. People confident in all aspects of their diversity.
In order to bring about effective change, the commission uses influence and authority to ensure that equality and human rights remain at the top of agendas for government and employers, media and society. We will campaign for social change and justice.
The commission gives advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and also to individuals.
Developing an evidence-based understanding of the causes and effects of inequality for people across Britain, the commission will be an authoritative voice for reform.”

— Extract from Vision, Mission & Priorities, Equality and Human Rights Commission

Overview

With the long awaited launch in October 2007 of the new Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Government has signalled a new era of championing equal opportunities for all, the protection of human rights and tackling discrimination at all levels and on all grounds be it race, gender, disability, age, sexual orientation/identity, religion or belief.

This major one-day conference, hosted by the Centre for Parliamentary Studies, will provide local practitioners with a valuable insight into the new Body's vision, mission and priorities. Participants will consider how the EHRC will safeguard the work of the out-going Commissions as well as incorporate the new equality 'strands' of religion/belief, sexual orientation/identity and age into a multi-dimensional framework. Some of the key themes to be explored at this conference include:

  • Understanding the New Equality, Diversity and Human Rights Landscape
  • Striking The Balance between Enforcement and Persuasion
  • Recognising Multiple-Identities, Developing a Multi-Dimensional Framework
  • The Challenge for Local Authorities, Public Bodies and Employers
  • The Potential Implications of a Future Single Equality Act

As the EHRC continues its work to build a strong, independent champion for equality and human rights in Britain, delegates will consider the key challenges that lie ahead in creating a lasting framework that will tackle discrimination on all grounds, promote equality and develop the ties that bind fairness for all.

Programme

09:15 Registration & Morning Refreshments
10:00 Chair's Welcome and Opening Remarks
Jenny Watson, Global Partners and Associates (confirmed)
10:15 Keynote Address
Bringing People Together
  • Understanding the New Equality, Diversity & Human Rights Landscape
  • Recognising and Celebrating Diversity
  • Protecting Rights, Promoting Respect
Dr Nicola Brewer, Chief Executive, Equality & Human Rights Commission (confirmed)
11:00 Morning Coffee Break
11:20 Panel Session One:
Recognising Multiple-Identities - Delivering a Multi-Dimensional Framework

  • Understanding and Responding to the Complexity of Individual Identity
  • Incorporating the New and Existing Equality 'Strands'
Liz Sayce, Chief Executive, The Royal Association for Disability and Rehabilitation (confirmed)
Katie Ghose, Director of the British Institute of Human Rights (invited)
12:30 Networking Lunch
13:30 Panel Session Two:
Striking the Balance between Enforcement and Persuasion

  • The EHRC as an Enforcer
  • Intellectual Leadership, Promoting Understanding and Changing Attitudes
Sarah Veale, Head of Equality and Employment Rights, TUC (confirmed)
Susie Uppal, Legal Enforcement Director, Equality & Human Rights Commission (confirmed)
14:40 Afternoon Coffee Break
15:00 The Challenge for Local Authorities, Public Bodies & Employers
  • Understanding the Public Duty
  • The Business Case for Equality
Nicola Dandridge, Chief Executive, Equality Challenge Unit (confirmed)
Jan Parkinson, Managing Director, Local Government Employers (confirmed)
15:40 The Implications of a Future Single Equality Act
  • Harmonising Discrimination & Equality Laws
  • Making Equal Opportunities a Reality
David Ruebain, Legal Policy Director, Equality & Human Rights Commission (confirmed)
Karon Monaghan, Matrix Chambers (invited)
16:10 Chair's Summary and Closing Comments
16:30 Networking Drinks Reception

Who Should Attend?

  • Equal Opportunities Officers
  • Equality, Diversity & Human Rights Practitioners
  • Race Equality Councils
  • Race Equality Practitioners
  • Access Officers
  • Disability Practitioners
  • Campaigning Organisations
  • Health Service Professionals
  • HR & Organisational Development Professionals
  • Local Authority Officers & Councillors
  • Police & Fire Service
  • Private Sectors Employers
  • Public Sector Employers
  • Central Government Departments & Bodies
  • Regulatory Bodies
  • Third Sector Practitioners
  • Trade Union Representatives
  • Academics

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For enquiries, and to book, please see the registration page or call:
0845 606 1535.