Reference Group – terms of reference
The work of both the Equalities Review and the Discrimination Law Review
will need to be informed by the views and experience of stakeholders and
experts in the relevant equality and human rights areas, business, trade
unions and public services.
The Reference Group will act in an advisory capacity to the Equalities
Review and the Discrimination Law Review, reacting to and suggesting ways
forward as they develop their inquiries. The Reference Group will be
consulted at regular intervals to advise on particular issues or questions
throughout the period of each review. It will also be able to offer
independent advice to each review on a regular basis. The Reference Group
will have access to the same evidence base used by the Review teams, and
will be able to see factual papers and research presented to the Review
teams.
Discussions within the reference rroup will be confidential, but it is
expected that members may wish to consult outside to ensure that the
Reviews are aware of relevant opinions amongst stakeholders and experts.
The Reference Group's output is independent expert advice and
consultation to both the Equalities Review and the Discrimination Law
Review; it is not a parallel process and will not produce a report.
The Reference Group will be co–chaired by the chairs of the Disability
Rights Commission and Equal Opportunities Commission.
Membership of the Reference Group will include independent experts and
representatives from equality bodies, business, unions, public sector,
Scotland and Wales.
The Reference Group will be supported by the Secretariat to the Equalities
Review and by the Discrimination Law Review Team when appropriate. Its
meetings will take place approximately every three months.
