Scottish Human Rights Commission and EHRC sign new Strategic Framework Agreement

The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) and the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC) met in Edinburgh on Wednesday 16 September to sign a new Strategic Framework Agreement. The agreement sets out how the organisations will work together to protect and promote human rights in Scotland.

The agreement was finalised in June 2026 and updates the previous version, first signed in 2009 and last revised in 2016. It clarifies the roles of the two National Human Rights Institutions. The SHRC is Scotland's National Human Rights Institution and EHRC's human rights role in Scotland covers matters reserved to Westminster.

Under the new agreement, it is clarified that:

  • The SHRC is Scotland’s National Human Rights Institution.
  • The EHRC is Scotland’s equality regulator, and the National Human Rights Institution for England and Wales and in Scotland for matters reserved to Westminster.
  • The SHRC and EHRC will consult each other on reserved policy that affects people's human rights in Scotland and seek common positions where possible
  • EHRC will act on devolved human rights matters only with SHRC's consent
  • The Chairs of SHRC and EHRC will meet at least annually, with a yearly review of how the two institutions have worked together

Read the Strategic Framework Agreement on our website.  

Professor Angela O'Hagan, Chair of SHRC, said:

“This new agreement clarifies our respective roles and reflects a shared commitment to working constructively to protect and promote human rights in Scotland.  I look forward to what we can achieve together for people across Scotland."

Mary-Ann Stephenson, Chair of the Equality and Human Rights Commission, said:

“Together with the Scottish Human Rights Commission, we work to uphold the rights of people in Scotland.

“Having our respective remits clearly set out and well understood underpins all our efforts to ensure those rights are both respected and fully realised in people’s everyday lives.

“Human rights are part of the basic plumbing of a decent society. A practical framework for everyone to have fair chance in life and to live well together. We look forward to continuing to work closely with the SHRC to realise that vision in Scotland.” 

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For media enquiries at SHRC please contact: media@scottishhumanrights.com.

For media enquiries at EHRC please contact: EHRCPressOffice@equalityhumanrights.com

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