Response from EHRC: They have written to Oxford University's Vice Chancellor

This is the response we have received from the Equality and Human Rights Commission:

'Re: Oxford Colleges

Thank you for your recent correspondence to the commision regarding alleged breach of the race equality duty at Oxford University Colleges.

You requested that we use our legal powers in this matter and your letter was considered at the Commision's legal allocation group.  The Commission receives more requests for legal intervention than it is possible to take forward.  The Commission makes decisions on whether to use its legal enforcement powers in accordance with the Commission's legal strategy, where it believes that there is substantial merit in doing so and where the prospects of success are good.

In this instance, the Commission has decided not to use legal intervention but has instead written to the Vice Chancellor of Oxford University asking him to remind all Oxford Colleges of their obligations under the public sector equality duties.

We have also reminded them that from 6th April 2011, the new public sector equality duty will come into force across all protected groups. This duty will require public authorities to pay due regard to the need to eliminate discrimination, harassment and victimization., advance equality of opportunity and foster good relations. Under the government's proposed specific duties for England, it is expected that public authorities will be required to publish evidence of the analysis that they undertook when analysing the effect of their policies or practices, and details of the information that they considered when doing so. This will relate to proposed and existing policies and will cover all protected equality groups.

It is also expected that they will be required to publish equality information, set specific and measurable objectives, and engage with protected groups on those objectives. More information about the forthcoming duty can be found on our website: http://www.equalityhumanrights.com/advice-and-guidance/public-sector-duties/the-new-public-sector-equality-duty/

The Commission is always grateful for the intelligence it receives on matters such as this and so I would like to thank you for bringing this to our attention.

Yours sincerely

Elizabeth Bowles
Policy Manager'

Professor Andrew Hamilton was admitted as Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford on 6 October 2009.