The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) was established by the Equality Act 2006 and is an independent, statutory body. By law, it is Great Britain’s national equality body and has been awarded an A-status as a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI) by the United Nations.

The declared aim of the Commission is to make Britain fairer and to safeguard and enforce laws. In addition, the EHRC is an advisory body that conducts research and analysis and, through its expertise, is a point of contact for policymakers, public authorities and businesses. Cooperation with other organisations plays an important role for the EHRC, but does not limit its independence and the enforcement of its core concerns. The Commission sees itself as a catalyst for positive change, as a mediator between different parties, as a source of information, as a lobbyist for a better and fairer equality policy and as a monitoring body ensuring the correct implementation of legal obligations.

One of the mechanisms by which the Commission controls and critically monitors equal treatment is through research. Intensive sociological research and the evaluation of equality data provide a basis for argumentation that makes it easier for the Commission to propose legislative changes.

The Commission may file investigations, initiate legal proceedings and assist the plaintiff in case of infringement and/or sue.