Section 32 of the Equality Act 2006 refers exclusively to the authorities listed in Schedule 19, which are subject to the equality duty. This duty applies only to the public, not to the private sphere of action of the respective organisation.

If the Commission considers that an authority does not comply with the equality duty, it has the option of formulating a compliance notice. This may include a request to comply or it may provide detailed measures to be taken to ensure compliance.

A notice may also require the organisation to provide the Commission with further information to enable it to verify that the duty is being complied with. If the organisation does not comply with the requirements listed in the notice, the Commission may apply to the courts. Should the organisation fail to comply with a court order, this constitutes a criminal offence.