It will also sponsor several non-departmental public bodies including the Commission for Equality and Human Rights, the Commission for Racial Equality, the Equal Opportunities Commission and the Women’s National Commission.

The Women and Equalities Unit, formerly part of the Department for Community & Local Government (DCLG) has moved to the new Equalities Office. However, because of links to the community cohesion agenda, faith and race issues will remain within the DCLG.

Harriet Harman MP takes on responsibility for the new office as Secretary of State for Equality.

Specific roles:
Harriet Harman MP: Cabinet Minister for women
Peter Hain MP:  lead Cabinet Minister for disability issues.
Hazel Blears MP: lead Cabinet Minister for race and faith issues
Stephen Timms MP: advisor on issues of concern to faith communities.
Baroness Ashton of Upholland: to cover equalities agenda in the House of Lords
Ed Milliband MP: to bring together key ministers from across government as Chair of the Domestic Affairs Sub-Committee on Equalities and Communities.

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