We work for a just and integrated society, where diversity is valued. We use both persuasion and our powers under the law to give everyone an equal chance to live free from fear of discrimination, prejudice and racism.

Contact us You can use this online form to ask the CRE a question, comment on its policies, or have your say on race equality issues in generalCRE offices Contact details for CRE offices in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Edinburgh and CardiffRacial equality councils and other local sources of help ...Sign up to the CRE email newsletter Read the current and previous issues ...Annual reports CRE Annual Reports from 1998 to 2003The CRE's race, gender and disability equality schemes Information about, and links to, the CRE's race equality scheme for 2005-8 and the results of its three-yearly review of functions, policies and proposed policiesGetting Results funding programme Details of the CRE's 'Getting Results' programme for funding local racial equality work, and information about how to applyCustomer service Sets out the standards of service you can expect from the CRE, and explains what to do if you want to make a complaint. Legal powers Summary of the CRE's powers under the Race Relations Act 1976CRE chair and commissioners Biographies of the CRE chair and commissionersCRE corporate management team A list of members of the CRE's corporate management team, which is responsible for the day-to-day running of the organisation.Freedom of Information Act and the CRE Introduction to the Freedom of Information Act, and your right to request information from the CRE under it

Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) Equality Commission for Northern Ireland The Scottish Executive The official website of the Scottish executive, the devolved governemnt for ScotlandNational Assembly for Wales Disability Rights Commission Disability Rights CommissionEqual Opportunities Commission

Annual Report 2005 (PDF 2.4 MB)
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CRE Race Equality Scheme 2005-08 (PDF 1.9 MB)
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This page was last updated on 04 June 2007

What is the CRE?

The Commission for Racial Equality was set up under the 1976 Race Relations Act. It receives a grant from the Department for Communities and Local Government, but works independently of government.

What are the CRE's duties?

The CRE has three main duties:

to work towards the elimination of racial discrimination and promote equality of opportunity
to encourage good relations between people from different racial and ethnic backgrounds
to monitor the way the Race Relations Act is working and recommend ways in which it can be improved

What powers does it have?

The CRE is not an inspectorate and does not have the power to 'police' racial equality. However, it has been given some powers to help enforce the Race Relations Act.

The CRE can provide legal advice and assistance to people who think they have been discriminated against. It should be noted that the CRE does not rule on whether or not discrimination has occurred: this is for an employment tribunal or a court to decide.

The CRE also has powers under the Race Relations Act to investigate companies or organisations where there is evidence of possible discrimination, and require them to make changes to their policies and practices. It can also take legal action against companies or organisations in certain specific circumstances (for example, if they have published a discriminatory advertisement).

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What does it cover?

The Race Relations Act applies in England, Wales and Scotland. It does not apply in Northern Ireland, where the Race Relations (NI) Order 1997 applies (for further information, see the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland's website). The CRE's work covers all the areas where people are protected against discrimination under the Race Relations Act.

Equality Commission for Northern Ireland

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What does it do?

In addition to exercising its statutory powers, the CRE also works to reduce discrimination and promote equality by seeking to educate and inform the public, and to influence policy and practice in all institutions.

The CRE by itself cannot achieve racial equality; but by working with government bodies, public and private organisations, and the general public, it hopes to influence attitudes, promote good practice, and so encourage good race relations.

To this end, the CRE:

issues codes of practice and racial equality standards to help organisations develop fair policies, procedures and practices
advises employers, local authorities, housing, health and education authorities, the police, training bodies and other agencies on how to avoid discrimination and promote equality
advises and makes representations to government on race issues, and on the racial equality implications of legislation, policies and practices
keeps policy makers, national bodies and the media informed of developments, and promotes good practice
supports research into the impact and extent of racial discrimination, and into race issues generally
runs public education campaigns to raise awareness of race issues, and to encourage others to play their part in creating a just society

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