text: The British Institute for Human Rights’ report, Changing Lives, makes clear the scope of the act to strengthen the ability of people to secure the best possible standard of services from public bodies and the right to be treated with respect, dignity and fairness. It argues that, because the government’s expressed purpose in introducing the Human Rights Act 1998 was to promote a culture of respect for human rights, it is important that public sector staff work within human rights standards and principles. They have responsibilities to ensure that services, in-house or commissioned, deliver on respect, autonomy, fairness, equality and dignity. The institute concludes there is “still a long way to go, and many people, particularly the most vulnerable, remain in need of the protections afforded by the Human Rights Act”.