Equalities watchdog launches consultation on its strategic litigation policy

The Commission for Equality and Human Rights has launched a consultation on its strategic litigation policy as it looks to set its priorities.

The watchdog said: “This will ensure resources are deployed to maximum impact and will harness the experience and perspective of the sector.....

"The Commission’s litigation strategy is a key tool for setting the agenda for the organisation’s legal delivery and will be reviewed in the light of recent developments in the law, economy, community and politics.”

The consultation – to be accompanied by five key stakeholder events this Autumn – will lead to a clear statement of priorities, it added.

The EHRC said it wanted 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,” it added.

Rebecca Hilsenrath, Commission Chief Legal Officer, 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.”

The consultation will last three months and be run in parallel with the selection process for the Commission’s panel of approved counsel.