Dear All,
This information came to me via Kate Heasemen of UCU. I think it is of general interest however.
Berry
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CRE work to transfer to CEHR in October 2007
The Government has announced that Kay Hampton is to be Chair of the
Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) until October 2007, at which point
the work and enforcement powers of the CRE will transfer to the new
Commission for Equality and Human Rights (CEHR). This marks a departure
from the original plans, under which the CRE was due to continue
operating until October 2009.
The need for the appointment arose after the current CRE Chair, Trevor
Phillips, was appointed as Chair of the CEHR in September. The CEHR,
established by the Equality Act 2006, is to bring the work of the three
current equality bodies - the Disability Rights Commission (DRC); the
Equal Opportunities Commission (EOC); and the CRE - under one body,
which will also have responsibility for equality issues relating to age,
sexual orientation, and religion or belief. However, the CRE had
successfully argued that it was impractical for its work and powers to
transfer to the CEHR at the same time as the DRC and EOC, and the
Government had agreed to allow it to continue working until 2009.
A written answer in Parliament on 8 November confirmed that, in light
of Trevor Phillips' appointment, the position on the CRE had changed,
stating: 'It is the unanimous view of the CRE commissioners that the
needs of race equality work and the status of race and community
relations would be best served by a simultaneous transition process for
all three existing commissions. The Secretary of State has accepted this
advice.'
Click here for the Government press release.
Click here for the written answer in Hansard.
22/11/06
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