Equality, Legal & Advocacy
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Equality, Legal & Advocacy:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
What can I do if I feel that I have been discriminated against?
The Equality Act 2010 legally protects people from discrimination in the workplace and in wider society. You’re disabled under the Equality Act 2010 if you have a physical or mental impairment that has a ‘substantial’ and ‘long-term’ negative effect on your ability to do normal daily activities. For further information on the definition of disability, see the Equality Act Guidance.
If you feel you have been treated unfairly there a number of steps that you can take. You can speak to an advisor at an advice agency such as your local citizens advice bureau or you can call the Equality Advice Support Service (EASS) who can advise and assist people on issues relating to equality and human rights.
If you need employment advice, ACAS provide free and impartial information and advice to employers and employees on all aspects of workplace relations and employment law. You can call their helpline on 0300 123 1100.
If you can’t sort out the problem at work, you may be able to make a claim to an employment tribunal. You should use the ACAS free Early Conciliation service before applying to a tribunal. In most cases the tribunal must receive your claim within three months of the dispute.
Making a complaint
There are several steps that you can take when making a complaint.
- Complain directly to the person or organisation. You can write a formal letter or complaint. Your letter should also say what you would like to happen next. For example: an apology; changes to the way they do things; money as compensation. You can use a template form available from the Equality Advisory Support Service.
- You can ask someone else to help you sort it out. Some mediation services offer free or subsidised mediation. Contact Scottish Mediation.
- An advocate can support you to say what you want to say, or will say what you want to say, when you are not able to do so. Contact the Scottish Independent Advocacy Service.
- Make a claim in Court. Be aware that if you do decide to make a claim in court, you need to tell the court about your claim (by filling in a form and paying a fee) within six months of what happened. Information about how to make claim in Scotland can be found on the Scottish Courts Service website.
You do not have to choose only one of these. Instead, you could try each of them in turn. You can, if you want to, make a claim in court straight away. Do think very carefully about whether making a claim in court is the right course of action for you. Making a claim may be demanding on your time and emotions, and before starting the process you may want to look at whether or not you have a good chance of succeeding.
If you need further information, or help to contact your local advice service please call our helpline on 0300 323 9961.
Equality, Legal & Advocacy:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
| Organisation | Description |
|---|---|
| Aberdeen Citizens Advice Bureau | Provide information to people living in the local area |
| Ability Fest | Organise information and networking events aimed at disabled people and carers in West of Scotland |
| Abortion Rights | Promotes the right for women to have access to safe free abortions |
| Access to Elected Office Fund | Providing financial support for disabled people standing in Local Authority and Scottish Parliament elections to address impairment-related barriers and disadvantages. |
| ADD (Action on Disability and Development) International | Development agency working with disabled people in Africa & Asia |
| Additional Support Needs Tribunals for Scotland (ASNTS) | Tribunal service which will hear cases brought by parents and young people concerning provision made for children and young people facing the biggest barriers to learning |
| Adults With Incapacity (Scotland) Act 2000 – GuardianshipandInterventionOrders | A guide for carers who are concerned that the person they care for is unable to take action or make some or all decisions in relation to their finances etc |
| Advicenow | An independent, not-for-profit website providing information on rights and legal issues for the general public |
| Advocacy Highland | Advocacy Highland provides free and confidential independent advocacy in Highland region for individuals aged 16 and over, who need to be supported to speak up about specific issues. We are funded to advocate for people identified under the terms of… |
| Advocacy North East | Aims: Independent advocacy for people living in or ordinarily resident in Aberdeenshire Description of service: Independent advocacy for vulnerable people and carers in Aberdeenshire aged 16 and over to support them in their dealings with health and so… |
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