The duty to promote race equality is commonly referred to as the race equality duty. We use this as a generic term to refer to the general statutory duty under section 71(1) of the Race Relations Act 1976, as amended (the Act) and the various specific duties (including the employment duty) that were introduced by way of statutory instruments
In 2001, the Race Relations Act was amended to give public authorities a new statutory duty to promote race equality. The aim is to help public authorities to provide fair and accessible services, and to improve equal opportunities in employment.
If you are subject to the specific duty to prepare and publish a race equality scheme, you are required to review your list of functions, policies and proposed policies that are relevant to the general statutory duty. This review must be done at least every three years.
The general duty applies to all public authorities listed in Schedule 1A of the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000.
Codes of practice
The Commission has produced a statutory code of practice, and four non-statutory guides, providing practical guidance to help authorities meet their duty.
Sectoral guidance
This section of the guide is divided into four parts. Each contains sector-specific advice on how to meet the third strand of the duty (to promote good race relations).
Specific duties
The specific duties were introduced to help public authorities to meet the general duty. It is obligatory for all public authorities listed in Schedule 1 of the Act to meet the specific duties.
Procurement and the duty
Public authorities in Britain spend billions every year on contracts with private and voluntary organisations for goods, works, and services. It is vital, therefore, that they take full account of all the implications - both economic and social - of their investment. They must also ensure that this investment is consistent with their race equality obligations.
The race equality duty is a statutory duty and therefore failure to comply can result in legal enforcement action.
Race equality duty documents
A resource for all the guidance to help with the race equality duty.