A report examined the visions and objectives which a single equality body might pursue, and the principles of equality which should inform policy decisions.
Source: Sandra Fredman, The Future of Equality in Britain, Equal Opportunities Commission (0161 833 9244)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2002-Dec
A new law was proposed by the Scottish Executive to make religious hatred an aggravated offence, following a report by a cross-party working group.
Source: Press release 5.12.02, Scottish Executive (0131 556 8400) | Tackling Religious Hatred: Report of Cross Party Working Group, Scottish Executive, TSO (0870 606 5566)
Links: Press release | Report (pdf) | Report | Guardian report
Date: 2002-Dec
An Audit Commission report asserted a strong business case for greater diversity in the public sector: public sector services need to develop a more diverse workforce in line with recent legislative changes, and to be able to provide more appropriate services to an increasingly diverse population with varying needs.
Source: Directions in Diversity: Current opinion and good practice, Audit Commission (0800 502030)
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2002-Nov
A government consultation document considered the contribution of equality institutions to making equal opportunities a reality and to promoting equality and diversity across society; and set out a range of options for future structures for these institutions, including a single equality commission. A second consultation document outlined proposed changes in the law to implement European anti-discrimination directives relating to employment.
Source: Equality and Diversity: Making it Happen, Department of Trade and Industry (0870 150 2500) | Equality and Diversity: The Way Ahead, Department of Trade and Industry
Links: Making it Happen | Way Ahead (rtf) | Way Ahead: Summary (pdf) | Index to draft regulations | ODPM press release
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/3, Digest 123, paragraph 7.2
Date: 2002-Oct
A new book examined how changing economic, social and political conditions are affecting gender relations, and made recommendations for work with men aimed at addressing poverty and gender inequality issues.
Source: Sandy Ruxton, Men, Masculinities and Poverty in the UK, Oxfam GB (01865 312600)
Links: Oxfam homepage
Date: 2002-Sep
A report assessed the impact of the Welsh Assembly Government's duty to have due regard to equality in its devolved functions.
Source: Paul Chaney and Ralph Fevre, An Absolute Duty: Equal Opportunities and the National Assembly for Wales, Institute of Welsh Affairs (029 2057 5511), Disability Rights Commission, Commission for Racial Equality and Equal Opportunities Commission
Links: Report (pdf) | Summary (pdf)
Date: 2002-Sep
Researchers examined the strategic approaches adopted by selected public sector organisations to promote gender equality, and the case for a public sector duty to do so.
Source: Karen Escott and Dexter Whitfield, Promoting Gender Equality in the Public Sector, Equal Opportunities Commission (0161 838 8340)
Links: Report (pdf) | Abstract
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/1, Digest 121, paragraph 11.1
Date: 2002-Sep
Three organisations launched a campaign for a cultural change in attitudes, with greater paid work opportunities for women and greater involvement by men in family life.
Source: Press release 16.9.02, Fawcett Society (020 7628 4441), Equal Opportunities Commission and Fathers Direct
Links: Press release (pdf)
Date: 2002-Sep
The Northern Ireland Office published an equality scheme setting out a programme of work over five years covering policies and functions likely to have an adverse differential impact according to people's religious beliefs, political opinions, race or ethnic group, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender, or disability.
Source: An Equality Scheme for the Northern Ireland Office, Northern Ireland Office (028 9052 0700)
Links: Scheme (pdf) | Press release
Date: 2002-Aug
Of those appointed or re-appointed to public bodies in 2000-01, 39 per cent were women, 9 per cent came from minority ethnic backgrounds, and 3 per cent declared a disability.
Source: Seventh Report 2000-01, Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments (020 7276 2625)
Links: Report (pdf)
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/4, Digest 124, paragraph 10.5
Date: 2002-Jul
A draft private member's Bill was published by Lord Lester, setting out a single framework for promoting equality between different people, regardless of racial or ethnic origin, religion or belief, sex, marital or family status, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, age or disability.
Source: Equality Bill, Odysseus Trust (020 7404 4712) on behalf of Lord Lester
Links: Link to text of Bill | Press release
Date: 2002-Jul
A report concluded that a distinctive equality agenda is emerging in Wales, largely due to the clause in the Government of Wales Act which requires the National Assembly to consider equality when carrying out all of its functions.
Source: Paul Chaney and Ralph Fevre, An Absolute Duty: Equal Opportunities and the National Assembly for Wales, Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission, and Equal Opportunities Commission, available from Institute of Welsh Affairs (029 2057 5511)
Links: Report (pdf) | EOC press release
Date: 2002-Jul
Research found that most leading organisations recognise developing diversity as important to their success.
Source: The Business of Diversity: How Organisations in the Public & Private Sectors are Integrating Equality and Diversity to Enhance Business Performance, Schneider-Ross (01264 882400)
Links: Summary
See also: Journal of Social Policy Volume 31/3, Digest 123 (paragraph 7.2)
Date: 2002-Jun
The government began consultation on proposals to merge the three main equality commissions (Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission, and Equal Opportunities Commission) into a single body.
Source: Press release 15.5.02, Cabinet Office (020 7261 8527)
Links: Cabinet Office press release
Date: 2002-May
An audit report criticised slow progress by local authorities on improving equality and diversity.
Source: Equality and Diversity: Learning from Audit, Inspection and Research, Audit Commission (0800 502030)
Links: Report (pdf)
Date: 2002-May