IARS requests a meeting with government to discuss the Equality Act 2010

On the 24th April, the Government Equalities Office wrote to Dr. Theo Gavrielides in response to the concerns raised on the Equality Act 2010 that was passed just before the government was dissolved. Dr. Gavrielides has now written to the new government requesting to continue the discussions surrounding the Act which is expected to start a new era of equality in the UK.

IARS continues to support the Act and will work with government officials, third sector organisations and policy bodies to ensure its successful implementation. "Awareness is extremely low among Britain's communities. The young people we work with have not heard about the Act while youth services, whether public or private, are still not sure what the Act is about and whether it will have any impact on them. If persistent inequalities are going to be tackled honestly and meaningfully then proper awareness raising and skills development needs to happen" Dr. Gavrielides, IARS Director said.

The Children's Commissioner has produced a Policy Briefing on the Equality Act which can be accessed via here

IARS work on the Act includes:

- sitting on the Senior Stakeholder Group of the Government Equalities Office

- producing youth led publications in IARS peer reviewed journal Youth Voice (see issue 1 "Empowerment)

- sitting on the Equality and Human Rights Commission Senior Stakeholder Group

- responding to government consultations

- meeting ministers and the Solicitor General's office.

IARS will be responding to the Government's consultation on Specific Duties and we would like to hear from all our members and users. For more information contact Dr. Theo Gavrielides T.Gavrielides@iars.org.uk