Government Equalities Office

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The Government Equalities Office (GEO) is a department of the Government of the United Kingdom responsible for promoting equality and reducing discrimination in society. The GEO works to ensure that everyone has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background or personal characteristics.

History

The Government Equalities Office was established in October 2007. It was initially part of the Department for Communities and Local Government but later became a standalone department. In 2010, the GEO was integrated into the Home Office, and in 2018, it was moved to the Cabinet Office.

Responsibilities

The GEO is responsible for a range of equality issues, including:

• Gender equality
• LGBT rights
• Disability rights
• Race equality
• Age discrimination
• Religion and belief

The office works to develop policies and initiatives that promote equality and tackle discrimination. It also oversees the implementation of the Equality Act 2010, which provides a legal framework to protect the rights of individuals and advance equality of opportunity for all.

Key Initiatives

Some of the key initiatives and programs led by the GEO include:

• The Women’s Empowerment and Gender Equality Strategy
• The LGBT Action Plan
• The Disability Strategy
• The Race Disparity Audit

Leadership

The Government Equalities Office is headed by the Minister for Women and Equalities, a position currently held by Kemi Badenoch as of 2023. The minister is supported by junior ministers and a team of civil servants who work on various equality issues.

Related Agencies

The GEO works closely with several other government bodies and agencies, including:

• The Equality and Human Rights Commission
• The Department for Education
• The Department for Work and Pensions
• The Home Office

See Also

• Equality Act 2010
• Human rights in the United Kingdom
• Social equality
• Discrimination law in the United Kingdom