Equalities watchdog to expand panel of counsel for £3m in advocacy and advice

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is to expand its panel of counsel for the delivery of legal advice and advocacy, with the next arrangements worth an estimated £3m over four years.

The contract is expected to start on 1 March 2019 and run until 28 February 2023.

Practising barristers and solicitor advocates from across England and Wales, and advocates and solicitor advocates from across Scotland have been encouraged to apply.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 1 pm on 24 January 2019.

The EHRC’s current panel consists of around 80 counsel and it said it expected to appoint a larger panel this time.

“We therefore encourage all suitably qualified counsel to apply, including those who were unsuccessful or did not apply last time. We are seeking counsel with a range of levels of experience, up to and including QC, and we hope that applicants will come forward from as broad a range of backgrounds as possible,” it added.

“The panel will provide advocacy, advisory and drafting expertise across a range of legal specialisms. Those appointed will have a vital role to play in helping the Commission to achieve its ambitious objectives in 2019 and beyond.”

An event for prospective panel members is being held at the EHRC’s London office, with video conference to its Cardiff and Manchester offices, on 9 January from 4.30pm.