EHRC Guidance

The updated EHRC Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations (the Code) came into force on 5 August 2026 and provides statutory guidance on applying the Equality Act 2010 (EqA) when delivering services and public functions. While the Code is not itself the law, and does not itself impose any legal obligations, courts and tribunals must take it into account where relevant in EqA proceedings and it can be used as evidence Public bodies should follow the law, which ultimately takes priority over the guidance in the Code.

For police forces, fire and rescue and other emergency services, the implications of the guidance in the Code extend beyond operational issues. Estates managers, facilities teams, workplace leads and senior responsible officers all need to understand how their buildings, facilities and policies align with the EqA. They should pay due regard to the Code, ensuring that training, policies and practices are lawful and based on sound advice.