Question

To ask the Minister for Women and Equalities, pursuant to the Answer of 5 November 2025 to Question 86020 on Business: Codes of Practice, what assessment she has made of whether her expectation was met that the Equality and Human Rights Commission (a) engaged (i) widely and (ii) broadly and (b) listened to diverse voices during its engagement on the Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) is independent of the government. It was for the EHRC to ensure that the consultation process on its Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations was appropriate and meaningfully engaged with varied stakeholders. The Government expected them to do this widely and broadly, listening to diverse voices.

The EHRC has revised the Code following the consultation and submitted it to the Minister for Women and Equalities. The Government is considering the updated draft Code and, if the decision is taken to approve it, the Code will be laid before Parliament for a 40 day period.