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What next for discrimination advice? presentation by Flora Williams of Law Centres Federation.
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Overall aim of today’s session:To bring delegates up to date with recent developments in the discrimination advice sector.
Session Objectives:
By the end of this 1.5hr session, delegates will:
Become informed of developments in discrimination advice provision;
Be able to analyse the impact of the developments for their advice service and clients;
Develop plans to meet gaps as relevant to their service
Order of session
Context and background
Current situation - including significant developments
The future?
Context & Background
Previously, discrimination advice was funded through:
EHRC - legal grants & S28 for strategic cases – over 70 agencies funded across UK
Legal Aid – General help & casework only
Local Authority – some level of availability
London Councils – Employment contracts
Trusts and charitable sector funding
The current situationChange in govt has resulted in new proposals and approaches – ideological shift. Wider reforms and Red tape. Reduction.
Equality Act 2010 – repeals and changes to Act
EHRC powers reduced and budget significantly reduced
Questionnaire procedure to go?
EHRC grants ceased march 2012
LASPOA 2012 was passed with very minor amendments from the original proposals
London Councils – consultation presently ongoing
Local Authority – reduced level of funding
Big Lottery – Advice Services Fund
The Future?From Sept 2012, GEO national discrimination helpline service – replaces EHRC helpline
Non legal enquiries only
Move away from litigation towards conciliation, arbitration and negotiation to resolve disc issues
Templates of legal documents made available on GEO website for self litigants
LCF will co-ordinate referrals for casework and representation from the helpline service
Other relevant developmentsBusiness & Enterprise Regulatory Reform Bill –
Main proposals include:
Introduction of tribunal fees
Removal of tribunal powers to make wider recommendations
Judges only sitting on EAT cases
The Future
Legal Aid & discrimination from April 2013
Employment out of scope
Compulsory telephone gateway
Discrimination will be low volume
The Future
London Councils
Consultation currently taking place on criteria – priorities identified as Homelessness, Domestic violence and 2nd tier support.
ImplicationsFor advice services:
Better referral and signposting for discrimination
Up to date information services for legal advice and representation
Pick up discrimination through other subject areas
Use European and Human Rights Law where possible
Look to international sources of funding such as EU
Monitor and keep track of unmet needs
Increase awareness raising and PLE
Increase our knowledge and understanding of Public Sector Equality Duties so that we may use them more effectively at a tool, at the early stage of decision making rather than in challenging decisions once they have been taken by the public body.
Implications for clients
Increased awareness of discrimination and legal rights – to better challenge at source
Competence and skills to effectively use existing complaints procedures
Raise awareness of others
Flora Williams
Equality & Diversity Manager
Law Centres Network
020 7842 0735 or
0759 0050 898