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 |
|---|---|
| Spinal Injuries Scotland | Aims: Delivering a Peer Support service designed to meet the needs of our members. Services provided: • Provide daily visits to the Queen Elizabeth National Spinal Injuries Unit. Our Peer Support team have sustained a Spinal Cord Injury and focus on un… |
| Stairlift Locations | At StairliftLocations.co.uk, our mission is to provide reliable and comprehensive information about stairlifts, making it easy to find the perfect fit. Our experienced team gathers the latest industry trends, ensuring accurate and unbiased content, emp… |
| Stepping Stones Organisation | Improve the mental well-being of people living in West Dunbartonshire |
| Stop It Now! Scotland | Services provided: Stop it Now! Scotland is the national programme for the prevention of child sexual abuse. They work to make Scotland’s children and young people, and communities, safer by:- providing information about child sexual abuse and sex offe… |
| Strathclyde Law Clinic | Provide legal advice, writing letters, speaking to relevant authorities and negotiating settlements to disputes and representation in the courts |
| Strictly Seniors Advocacy Service | A free advocacy for older people who find it difficult to have their voice heard |
| Support After You Report a Crime | Website giving information about the criminal justice system and how to get help and advice |
| Talk Russian Ltd | Description of service: Translating company which provides certified Russian translation, face-to-face interpreting and telephone interpreting services in the UK. Talk Russian works with corporate clients, organisations and individuals. Translators are… |
| Tannochside Information & Advice Centre | Provide free information and advice on welfare benefits,employment, money and debt |
| Tax Credits and Judicial Review | This leaflet explains when Judicial Review proceedings can be brought and when they might apply to decisions made by the Revenue in tax credit cases |
