Socio-economic duty: more guidance and training needed

Organisations in Wales and Scotland have “a strong desire for more guidance, training and resources” to help them improve their understanding of the socio-economic duty and promote better compliance, according to research by the EHRC equality watchdog.

Under Section 1 of the Equality Act 2010, the duty means certain public authorities, such as councils and government departments, should have “due regard” to the desirability of reducing socio-economic inequalities when making strategic decisions (like setting budgets, planning services, or shaping policies).

The Socio-economic duty in Wales and Scotland: research report (2025) finds that, in general, duty bearers in Scotland and Wales who responded to an EHRC survey reported that they had a good understanding of the duty.

However, says the watchdog, this is more apparent among individuals within organisations who are involved in decision making. “In some organisations, there continues to be a lack of senior-level awareness, understanding and support of the Duty.”

And among the challenges duty bearers identified to effective implementation were “diminished resources and other financial pressures”.