About the Commission in Wales

Equality and Human Rights in Wales

The Equality and Human Rights Commission in Wales champions equality and human rights for all, working to eliminate discrimination, reduce inequality, protect human rights and to build good relations, ensuring that everyone has a fair chance to participate in society.

The purpose of the Commission in Wales is to ensure that GB policy-making reflects the needs of Wales and to deliver a programme of work in Wales.

The Commission has three statutory committees which are responsible for ensuring that the overall work of the Commission reflects the needs and priorities of Scotland and Wales and the interests of disabled people, as well as developing their own specific work programmes and taking a lead role in working with our stakeholders. Each committee is chaired by one of our commissioners and supported by a lead officer.

To achieve its purpose the Wales Directorate will:

  • Work with the Wales Committee to ensure that Wales needs are taken into account in the GB business plan and implement a programme of work appropriate to Wales
  • Co-ordinate all aspects of the Commission's work in Wales to maximise impact, minimise risk and add value to the GB strategy
  • Build a strong evidence base that enables the Commission to speak authoritatively on policy issues and with clarity on what needs to change
  • Find the synergy between the Commission and Government agendas and develop influencing strategies to deliver the Commission's objectives in Wales
  • Communicate the Commission's objectives persuasively to engage with stakeholders and generate action
  • Use the Commission's legal powers to improve access to justice and promote a fair and just society

Welsh Language Scheme

In compliance with the terms of the Welsh Language Act 1993, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, in conjunction with the Welsh Language Board, has developed the Equality and Human Rights Commissions Welsh Language Scheme.

The scheme was approved by the board of the Equality and Human Rights Commission on 25 March 2010. It recieved approval from the Welsh Language Board on 20 April 2010. We have launched the scheme throughout the Equality and Human Rights Commission and to the general public.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission has adopted the principle, so far as it is both appropriate in the circumstances and reasonably practicable, that in the conduct of its public business in Wales, it will treat the English and Welsh languages on a basis of equality. This scheme sets out how we will give effect to that principle.

The Welsh Language (Wales) Measure 2011 establishes a framework for introducing duties on persons to comply with statutory standards relating to the Welsh language. The standards will replace the current system of Welsh language schemes established under the Welsh Language Act 1993.

A standards investigation was carried out in relation to the Commission of Equality and Human Rights between November 2014 and February 2015 and a standards report outlining the conclusions of the investigation was presented for the attention of Welsh Ministers.

Welsh Ministers have confirmed that they expect a debate and vote on the approval of regulations to be held in the National Assembly for Wales Plenary Session on 9 February 2016, and that those regulations will come into force on 16 February 2016.

These regulations specify standards in relation to 32 organizations; including the Commission. The regulations authorise the Welsh Language Commissioner to give a compliance notice, requiring those bodies to comply with one or more of the standards specified in the regulations. Until then the Commission will comply with its current Welsh Language Scheme.

A copy of the Welsh Language Scheme is available for download.

If, after having read it, you have any comments or queries, please contact Equality Human Rights Commission in Wales.

Our contact details:

Wales office correspondence address:

Equality and Human Rights Commission
Block 1, Spur D
Government Buildings
St Agnes Road
Cardiff
CF14 4YY

Telephone 02920 447710 (non helpline calls only)

Fax 02920 447712

Email: [email protected]

Media enquiries

If you work in the media and wish to speak to our press office, please call 02920 447710

Last Updated: 19 Jan 2016