Getting ready for the Socio-Economic Duty

Join the Local Government Association and #1forEquality coalition to explore the Socio-Economic Duty (SED)- the law to put reducing poverty and socio-economic inequalities at the heart of public policymaking.The UK government recently completed its public consultation on implementing this duty and a commencement date is expected in 2026. This free online event will help those working in local authorities to prepare and adopt good practice.

This event will include -

• The origins and meaning of the Socio-Economic Duty (Section 1 of the Equality Act 2010) and an update on government plans to activate it
• Tips for effective implementation including participatory approaches to involve people with living experience of socio-economic disadvantage
• Links with the wider Public Sector Equality Duty for an intersectional approach
• Council case studies from speakers with experience of implementing the duty at councils in Falkirk and Gateshead
• Q&A
• Recommended resources - guidance and useful contacts to help you take the next steps

What will I get from this event?

This introductory session will provide the latest updates on the Duty that will require local authorities to consider how their strategic decisions and policies can help reduce socio-economic disadvantage. Discover the positive impact the Duty is having in areas where it has already been adopted and gain good practice examples, plus practical tips on implementation.An opportunity for you to ask questions and connect with others committed to developing public policies for social good, this is a springboard to start preparations well in advance of the duty being activated. Gain insights to be an early adopter of this once-in-a-generation legal tool to tackle inequality and the crises of inflated living costs, rising poverty and child destitution in your local area.

About #1forEquality This is a campaign coalition, co-led by Just Fair and the Equality Trust, which seeks the effective enactment, implementation and enforcement of Section 1 of the Equality Act – the socio-economic duty, in order to improve the fulfilment and protection of everyday rights, and reduce inequality. Membership includes groups such as such as Thrive Teesside, Resolve Poverty, Amnesty International UK, Equally Ours, Royal College of Physicians, and Human Rights Watch. Several member organisations have published research and guidance, and deliver training, on the SED. The group includes specialists who sit on the SED Expert Advisory Group to the Cabinet Office, with a voice in shaping statutory guidance and implementation.

About the LGA (Local Government Association) The LGA is the national voice of local government. Its purpose is to strengthen local government so communities thrive. It is the national membership body for councils in England, working on their behalf to champion and be the voice of local government, ensuring it has the resources, powers and support to deliver the best possible outcomes. It develops good practice resources such as the Equality Framework for Local Government (EFLG) which includes the SED within the following leadership criteria for excellence: "The council routinely takes account of the socio-economic duty when taking decisions and can describe outcomes as a result".

Agenda

1. Welcome from the LGA and #1forEquality
2. Introduction to the SED - Vanessa Boon, Equality Trust
3. What effective implementation looks like - Helen Flynn, Just Fair, and Laura Burgess, Resolve Poverty
4. Effective engagement of people with lived experience - Tracey Herrington, Thrive
5. How the SED links with the PSED (Public Sector Equality Duty) - Ali Harris, Equally Ours
6. Case Study Speakers: Carol Botten, Service Manager - Community, Health & Wellbeing at Gateshead Council, and Councillor Laura Murtagh from Falkirk Council
7. Question and Answer session
8. Next steps and recommended resources