An inquiry according to Section 16 of the Equality Act 2006 is one way to learn more about respect for equality, diversity and human rights within a particular sector or topic. The Commission may conduct inquiries on any matter relating to Section 8 and 9 of the Equality Act 2006. An initial suspicion is not necessary in order to conduct a survey.

If the Commission conducts a survey, it has to publish terms of reference, it may require the organisations to provide information on the targets, it has then the right to further scrutinise the information available and it has to publish a report on the study results.

Depending on the results of the report, the Commission may make recommendations for changes and improvements to the policies, practices and regulations of the respective organisations. The organisations are then obliged to follow these recommendations.