Advocacy News, Events and Resources – updates August 2022
British Institute of Human Rights new resources and drop-in session
You may be aware that on 22nd June 2022, the UK Government introduced a new Bill to Parliament which will replace our Human Rights Act. They are calling it a “Bill of Rights” Bill, but there are concerns that the Bill will actually reduce people’s rights. The Bill does not create new rights or strengthen existing protections; it only removes access to the ones we already have. BIHR is producing resources and running events to support others to understand the proposed changes as well as how to challenge these.
They’ve produced the following resource for public officials:
The Bill will directly impact on staff working in public bodies, including those who work alongside advocates and advocacy providers. BIHR’s new guide has been specifically designed for public officials to help them understand how the Rights Removal Bill will impact on their work, and how they can speak up for human rights. Click here to get the guide.
Online session:
BIHR is running a free online drop-in session about the impact the Bill could have on the health & social care sector. They are running this alongside Access Social Care and the Relatives & Residents Association. The event is open to civil society, regulators, care providers and staff working in health & social care services. The session will give an overview of our Human Rights Act and why it is so important in health and social care, before covering BIHR’s key concerns for health & social care, and what you can do to resist the Bill and protect our Human Rights Act. The session will be recorded and shared afterwards. There will also be a 1-page information sheet on the content and additional resources for those who cannot make it.
Date and time: 12 to 1.30pm on Monday 12th September 2022
Zoom registration link: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZcvdOmsqTMqHdRJAfB87aut8CjBjQ-i41NJ
Call for evidence on the Draft Mental Health Bill open until 16th September
The Joint Committee on the Draft Mental Health Bill has an open call for evidence. They would like to hear your views about the draft Bill, which will inform the recommendations they make to the Government. They particularly want to hear about potential requests they could make to address any issues that you identify.
They are working with an external provider to produce an Easy Read version of the document and the survey and say they will publish that as soon as they are able. They will accept submissions after the deadline of 16th September from those who need to use Easy Read.
You can find out more and respond here
New case law – highlight for Care Act Advocates: R (BG& KG) v Suffolk County Council 2022
If you haven’t already seen it, this recent ruling highlights the need for councils to maintain a broader and open interpretation of how people’s needs are met under the Care Act. You can read the full judgement here and Community Care’s article about the case here. You can also listen to Sian Davies and Arianna Kelly from 39 Essex Chambers discussing the judgement here.