 Section 3 states the EHRC has a general duty to work towards the development of a society where equality and rights are rooted.This is taken to mean,

(a) people's ability to achieve their potential is not limited by prejudice or discrimination, 
(b) there is respect for and protection of each individual's human rights (including respect for the dignity and worth of each individual),
(c) each person has an equal opportunity to participate in society, and
(d) there is mutual respect between communities based on understanding and valuing of diversity and on shared respect for equality and human rights.Section 30 strengthens the EHRC's ability to apply for judicial review and to intervene in court proceedings, through giving explicit statutory provision for such action.