EHRC consults on strategic litigation policy

A three month consultation on its strategic litigation policy has been launched by the Equality & Human Rights Commission.

The EHRC intervenes in or supports litigation as one means by which it fulfils its mandate to protect and promote equality and human rights. Used strategically, its involvement in litigation is a powerful tool for driving positive change in society. The consultation aims to establish a basis for deploying its resources to maximum impact.

Strategy will be reviewed in the light of recent developments in the law, economy, community and politics.
The consultation will enable a clear statement of priorities following engagement with interested organisations and individuals.

The Commission wants to hear from the broadest range of individuals and organisations, including lawyers, advice centres, the voluntary sector and other bodies on their priorities in terms of human rights and equality issues. The Commission is also keen to hear how stakeholders would like to work with the Commission and to encourage the referral of appropriate, strategic legal cases.

To support the process, five stakeholder events will be held in the autumn. Two will be in London, one in Manchester, one in Wales and one in Scotland. There will also be a webinar.

The consultation will run in parallel with a selection process for the Commission’s panel of approved counsel.

Chief legal officer Rebecca Hilsenrath said: “We promote and enforce the laws that protect our rights to fairness, dignity and respect. This consultation presents an important opportunity for us to work with the Commission’s partners in setting our new legal agenda.

“We want to strengthen existing relationships and reach out to new groups and individuals in order to listen to and learn from different voices, experience and perspectives. We will engage with the broadest community representation to ensure we are using our resources in the most effective way.”

Click here to access the consultation.

Click here for a Journal article on the Commission's use of its powers.