EHRC 1718-94 Feasibility study of the Equality and Human Rights Commission using new powers and functions

Purpose: to enable the Commission to play a direct role in addressing gaps in access to justice in equality and human rights disputes.

Aims: to establish the case, and a business/operational model, for the Commission to have powers to: - arrange conciliation services in cases concerning goods, facilities and services, premises, associations, public functions and education - make determinations/recommendations in individual private sector goods, facilities and services cases

Objectives: - to deliver a feasibility study concerning the above - to address questions including: o how would service providers be compelled or persuaded to participate in such a scheme; o would a scheme have to be mandatory; o would the Commission need a power to compel the submission of evidence; o what can we learn from international models (which are often national ombudsman schemes); o how could we overcome the issue of not being seen as impartial; o how to avoid conflicts of interest between the Commission's service provision and policy arms; o what are the implications for devolved nations including the context of the PSED specific duties?