The Equality Act 2010 (Amendment) Order 2012
This Order amends section 147 of the Equality Act 2010 (c.15) (“the Act”). Section 147 makes provision as to what is a “qualifying compromise contract” (“QCC”), which is a contract that may be used to settle a complaint within section 120, where it meets the requirements of section 147. Section 120 of the Act grants jurisdiction to an employment tribunal to determine a complaint relating to an unlawful act under Part 5 (Work), namely an act of discrimination, harassment or victimisation. One requirement of section 147 is that the complainant must have received advice from an independent adviser before entering into a QCC (section 147(3)(c)). Section 147(4) and (5) sets out who may act as an independent adviser for these purposes.