Dame Nuala O’Loan has been appointed to chair the inquiry with 3 EHRC Commissioners, respectively Francesca Klug (lead), Sir Bert Massie (Commissioner for the Compact) and Neil Wooding.

The Commission sought views on the proposed terms of reference of the Human Rights Inquiry until the 31st March 2008. Having considered stakeholders’ comments the Commission's Human Rights Inquiry was formally launched yesterday with the following terms of reference:

1        To assess progress towards the effectiveness and enjoyment of a culture of respect for human rights in Great Britain, and

2        To consider how the current human rights framework might best be developed and used to realise the vision of a society built on fairness and respect, confident in all aspects of its diversity.

They also started designing the project methodology in order to gather the necessary evidence in response to the inquiry terms of reference. One of the first things we identified as essential for the inquiry is to call for evidence from those who have experience of delivering and using public services and this is why we are writing to you today.

The inquiry is about establishing how public authorities, such as hospitals, schools or local and national government offices, make sure they treat people well and in line with the requirements of the Human Rights Act.

Under the Human Rights Act, “public authorities” includes both those bodies which would usually be thought of as public authorities (like local authorities) but also private or voluntary organisations when they are carrying out public functions (for example, a private company running a prison).  The inquiry applies to all the public authorities covered by the Act.