Equality and Human Rights Commission

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Launch of our legal Strategic Funding Programme - application details now available

22 June 2009

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has today (22 June) launched a Strategic Funding Programme available to organisations offering legal advice on equality and human rights issues.

The funding programme is primarily aimed at projects providing specialist legal advice and representation in equality and human rights.  The Commission is also particularly keen to fund activity where there is currently no provision or access to advice, as well as to projects which promote awareness and understanding of equality and human rights laws.

The fund will cover two main areas:

• The provision of legal advice, casework and representation to individuals about matters falling within the Equality and Human Rights enactments.
• Raising awareness and knowledge of equality and human rights.

The maximum available funding for a single organisation is £150,000 per year and projects providing advice, casework and representation may be funded for up to three years.

The deadline for applications for legal projects is 5pm, August 7th, 2009. Applicants will be informed of the outcome of their applications during the first week of October 2009.

The legal funding initiative forms part of the £10.2 million Strategic Funding Programme announced earlier this year by the commission, which aims to provide three-year project-based funding of up to £450,000 for community and voluntary sector organisations.

Full details, as well as guidance notes and the application form are available to download in a full range of accessible formats.

Ends

For more information contact the Equality and Human Rights Commission Media Office on 02031170251 / 02031170242, out of hours 07767272818.

Notes for Editors

1. The Commission’s five strategic priorities which inform the funding priority areas are:
2. Securing and implementing an effective legislative and regulatory framework for equality and human rights; Ensuring a fairer Britain for all –  reducing the gap in outcomes to secure fair life chances, access to services and dignified treatment; 
3. Building a society without prejudice: promoting good relations and fostering a vibrant equality and human rights culture; Promoting wider understanding and awareness of rights – delivering timely and accurate advice and guidance to individuals, advisors and employers alike; Building an authoritative and responsive organisation. The Equality and Human Right Commission is empowered to award funding by virtue of Section 17 of the Equality Act 2006

The Equality and Human Rights Commission is a statutory body established under the Equality Act 2006, which took over the responsibilities of Commission for Racial Equality, Disability Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission. It is the independent advocate for equality and human rights in Britain. It aims to reduce inequality, eliminate discrimination, strengthen good relations between people, and promote and protect human rights. The Commission will enforce equality legislation on age, disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation or transgender status, and encourage compliance with the Human Rights Act. It will also give advice and guidance to businesses, the voluntary and public sectors, and to individuals.