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Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000

by Thomas Chan

What is the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2002?

The Race Relations Act of 1976 regulates race relations in Britain. The amended act establishes and places a new positive race equality duty on listed public authorities. It will be legally enforceable.

There is two parts to this amendment. First, public authorities, in carryout its functions, shall have due regard to the need: a. to eliminate unlawful racial discrimination; b. to promote equality of opportunity; and c. to promote good relations between persons of different racial groups.

Secondly, the Home Secretary has also published specific duties the Code of Practice in order to help public authorities to deliver the general duty. Specific duties are the steps, methods or arrangements available to public authorities in fulfilling their general duty and they include:

• Set out and publish a Race Equality Scheme (RES)
• Assess the public authority’s functions and policies, or proposed policies
• Set out arrangements for assessment, consultation and monitoring
• Publish results of these activities
• Make sure the public have access to information and services
• Training their staff
• Set out arrangements to monitor their employment function

Who will be affected?

Currently, public authorities that come under this duty fall into 5 groups:

1. Central government departments such as the Home Office, Department of Health
2. Local authorities
3. Health authorities and NHS trusts
4. Police authorities and chief officers of police
5. School/college governing bodies

Who will be responsible for what?

Public authorities are required to follow the specific duties in order to deliver the general duty. The Commissioner for Racial Equality (CRE) and other audition/inspecting bodies, such as the Audit Commission, Best Value Inspectorate, Commission for Health Improvement, Ofsted etc are responsible for setting out performance indicators in order to measure, and inspect these public authorities.

Why is it important to us and how should we contribute to it?

Members of the public, as service users and voluntary organisations should ensure that public authorities promote and deliver race equality. Our role is to:

1. Assist different public authorities with their consultation and assessment on the impact of their policies
2. Advise public authorities on how best to consult with the community (for example, when, where and whom to consult, is there a need for translation and interpreting and the appropriate consultation method to be adopted)
3. Assist with training, inform staff of public authorities on needs as well as any cultural, social or other differences
4. Ensure that the general duty and specific duties are being met if you are in receipt of funding or enter into contract with these public authorities
5. Work in partnership with these public authorities to promote race equality
6. Perform a scrutiny function to ensure the delivery of equitable policies and services

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