The Disability Discrimination Code of Practice (Trade Organisations, Qualifications Bodies and General Qualifications Bodies) (Commencement) Order 2008

EXPLANATORY NOTE

(This note is not part of the Order)

This Order brings the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 Revised Code of Practice: Trade Organisations, Qualifications Bodies and General Qualifications Bodies (“the Code”) into force on 23rd June 2008. The Code was issued by the Commission for Equality and Human Rights under section 14(1) of the Equality Act 2006 on 16th May 2008.

The Code provides practical guidance on how to avoid committing acts which are unlawful under, and other matters relating to the operation of, Part 2 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 to the extent that it relates to trade organisations, qualifications bodies and general qualifications bodies. In relation to trade organisations and qualifications bodies, it replaces the Disability Discrimination Act 1995 Code of Practice for Trade Organisations and Qualifications Bodies (ISBN 0-11-703418-5) which is revoked by the Disability Discrimination Code of Practice (Trade Organisations and Qualifications Bodies) (Revocation) Order 2008 (S.I. 2008/1336).

Article 3 of this Order makes transitional provision for proceedings under Part 2 of the Disability Discrimination 1995 to the extent they relate to events taking place before 23rd June 2008 and have not been determined by that date. The Code does not have effect in relation to such proceedings for the purposes of section 15(4)(b) of the Equality Act 2006, which requires a court or tribunal to take into account any provision of a code of practice which appears to it to be relevant.

An impact assessment has not been produced for this instrument as no impact on the private or voluntary sectors is foreseen.

A copy of the Code (ISBN 978-1-84206-049-0) may be obtained from The Stationery Office or can be downloaded free of charge from the Commission for Equality and Human Rights website: www.equalityhumanrights.com.