If you need to apologise to the person who has complained for the way they were treated or the way something was done, then do this. If you need to change the way you do things so the same thing does not happen again, then do this. Also: consider equality training for yourself and/or people working for you think about having an equality policy. Alternative dispute resolution The first part of this section assumed you would do all the investigating and negotiating yourself. If you want to get help in sorting out a complaint about discrimination, you could try to get the person complaining to agree to what is usually called dispute ‘alternative or ADR. ADR involves finding a way of sorting out the complaint without a resolution’ formal court hearing. ADR techniques include mediation and conciliation. You can find out more about ADR, whether any of the options might be suitable in your situation, what you have to do, and how much it might cost from the: (see Further sources of information and advice section). Scottish Government publication Resolving Disputes Without Going To Court if you are in Scotland). For some sorts of cases mediation services are available through the courts service, and these can be used instead of waiting for a case to be heard by a judge. Mediation has the advantage of generally reducing cost and may successfully settle a claim without the inconvenience of a trial. You can find information about mediation services, including how to find mediators registered with the Civil Mediation Council for England and Wales here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/mediation and for Scotland here: The questions procedure It is good practice for someone who thinks that they may have experienced unlawful discrimination, harassment or victimisation under equality law to seek relevant information before issuing a formal claim. This can help them decide if they have a valid claim or not.
If you need to apologise to the person who has complained for the way they were treated or the way something was done, then do this. If you need to change the way you do things so the same thing does not happen again, then do this. Also: consider equality training for yourself and/or people working for you think about having an equality policy. Alternative dispute resolution The first part of this section assumed you would do all the investigating and negotiating yourself. If you want to get help in sorting out a complaint about discrimination, you could try to get the person complaining to agree to what is usually called ‘alternative dispute resolution’ or ADR. ADR involves finding a way of sorting out the complaint without a formal court hearing. ADR techniques include mediation and conciliation. You can find out more about ADR, whether any of the options might be suitable in your situation, what you have to do, and how much it might cost from the: (see Further sources of information and advice section). Scottish Government publication Resolving Disputes Without Going To Court if you are in Scotland). For some sorts of cases mediation services are available through the courts service, and these can be used instead of waiting for a case to be heard by a judge. Mediation has the advantage of generally reducing cost and may successfully settle a claim without the inconvenience of a trial. You can find information about mediation services, including how to find mediators registered with the Civil Mediation Council for England and Wales here: http://www.justice.gov.uk/courts/mediation and for Scotland here: The questions procedure It is good practice for someone who thinks that they may have experienced unlawful discrimination, harassment or victimisation under equality law to seek relevant information before issuing a formal claim. This can help them decide if they have a valid claim or not.
what_equality_law_means_for_your_association2c_club_or_society.docx