Commentary on Sections Part 1: The Commission for Equality and Human Rights Section 12: Monitoring progress
39.Section 12 places the CEHR under a duty to publish reports on what progress has been made towards the achievement of desirable outcomes i.e. the results to aim for in encouraging and supporting the development of the society described in section 3. To meet its obligations under this duty, the CEHR will need to evaluate available evidence in order to identify desired outcomes for society and the indicators by reference to which progress can be measured. The CEHR will be required to consult widely on which of these should be priorities for the CEHR to monitor.
40.Once the CEHR has determined what outcomes and indicators are priorities, it will use the indicators to monitor progress towards the outcomes over a period of time. The CEHR is required to publish a report within three years of this section coming into force, and every three years thereafter. The Secretary of State must lay the progress report before Parliament.
Section 13: Information, advice, &c.
41.Section 13 sets out the general powers available to the CEHR, and the general activities it can undertake, to carry out any or all of its duties. These activities are publishing or disseminating ideas and information, giving advice and guidance, undertaking research and providing education or training.
42.Subsections (1)(e) and (f) permit the CEHR to work in partnership with others, or to arrange for others to carry out any of the listed activities. This may include contractual or grant-based partnerships.
43.Subsection (2) confirms that advice given under this section does not include the preparation of documents to be used for the purpose of legal proceedings. The CEHR has separate powers to provide such advice in respect of particular types of legal proceedings, as laid down in section 28.