Race

The Law
The Race Relations Act protects you from racial discrimination in most, but not all, situations. You will therefore have to show that the discrimination you have suffered comes within the areas covered by the act.

On 2 April 2001, amendments to the Race Relations Act came into force which brought previously exempt public bodies within the scope of the act.

The act imposes a duty on all public authorities in carrying out their functions not to do any act which constitutes discrimination. Certain bodies such as the Houses of Parliament, security services, secret intelligence services, military units and government communication headquarters are excluded from this duty.

There is a specific duty on authorities listed in schedule 1A of the Act to eliminate unlawful racial discrimination and to promote equality of opportunity and good relations between persons of different racial groups.

The Race Relations Act 1976 (Statutory Duties) Order 2001 identifies specific steps to be taken by public authorities to comply with this specific duty.

More on Race Equality

Community Cohesion
Community Development Workers (CDW’s) for Black & Minority Ethnic (BME) Communities in Adult Mental Health Services
One City Many Cultures
Race Equality Scheme (RES)
Links and contacts