Using the Equality and Human Rights Monitor to set equality objectives

In recent decades, there have been many improvements in equality and human rights in England. Our Equality and Human Rights Monitor, however, shows that many inequalities still exist. There is more work to be done. Public bodies have an important role to play in making England fairer. ?

It is more than 20 years since the introduction of the first Equality Duty, which is today known as the Public Sector Equality Duty (PSED). It requires public bodies, such as government departments, schools, local councils and the NHS to systematically consider equality across their work.??

To do this effectively, public bodies need good data on the people they serve. They need to think about how they can eliminate discrimination and improve equality and good relations between different groups of people. These are important steps to meeting the PSED.?

However, through our monitoring of how public bodies are meeting the requirements of the PSED, we see that too many are setting equality objectives that are not ambitious enough and lack a solid evidence base. To shift the dial on inequality, public bodies need to take more concerted action.? ?

This should start with setting equality objectives to tackle the most significant inequalities.?This is where our Equality and Human Rights Monitor is vital. It provides the evidence public bodies need to understand key issues and set ambitious equality objectives to address them. ?

We urge all public bodies to use the Monitor as a starting point. It is essential to engage with staff, service users and, where relevant, other partners. Public bodies must take effective action, report on what has been done and the difference it has made. ?

As we approach the next set of deadlines for PSED reporting deadlines in 2024, public bodies should think about whether their current equality priorities are proportionate. They should also consider where there has and has not been progress and the reasons for this. Equality objectives should be specific and measurable.??

We hope the findings set out in the Monitor will help public bodies to renew their focus on equality and to deliver new and ambitious equality-related objectives. For more information, including how the PSED works in Scotland and Wales, see our PSED pages, which include information on the next set of reporting deadlines.?