Media release 11 January 2005
Maria Eagle MP to give purpose of the duty to promote equality at Employers' Forum public sector conference
The Employers' Forum on Disability is holding a full day conference, Making equality happen: Disability and the public sector, the first of its kind specifically designed to address the public sector duty to promote equality.
The event, hosted by HM Treasury, London, takes place on Thursday 24th February 2005 and will see presentations from The Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, Minister for Disabled People and the Disability Rights Commission.
From 2006, not only will the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) be extended to cover public functions, but public sector authorities will have a positive duty to promote equality of opportunity for disabled people. Modelled on the duty to promote race equality introduced by the Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000, the duty to promote disability equality is likely to require you to design and implement a Disability Equality Scheme.
This unique Forum event will specifically cover the public sector duty to promote equality, an update on what the Disability Bill is likely to include, what the public sector will be required to do and a likely timeframe. The Conference also covers Disability Equality Schemes and practical tips on impact assessments, including a debate and panel discussion.
The Employers' Forum on Disability is the authoritative employers' voice on disability as it affects business. Its members represent over 400 major organisations that currently employ more than 20 per cent of the UK workforce. The Forum works closely with disabled people, government and other stakeholders, sharing best practice to make it easier to employ disabled people and serve disabled customers.
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