Respond to discrimination

This page is about how to respond to discrimination occurring in your organisation.

Everyone has a right to live their life free from discrimination and harassment. If you are concerned about what is happening to you or others in your organisation, and feel able to, you should always speak up.

By identifying and reporting discrimination, everyone can be kept safe from harm. Even if you are not certain, you should report your concern.

When deciding what action to take, you will need to think about what you are trying to achieve and what your rights are in that situation. These can vary depending on whether you are an employee, a volunteer or if you are accessing the organisation’s activities. 

If your organisation has a relevant policy and people you trust to take action – consider speaking to them first. They should help you take the right steps within the organisation. If not, you could approach your board of trustees. They are responsible for ensuring the organisation is abiding by the law and following its own policies.

If you feel this would be inappropriate, your report got no response or if you want further guidance use the information below. 

The following information can help with next steps you can take.

• If you think you’ve been unfairly discriminated against, you can read what the government advises. Our information on legal duties can help you understand the different types of discrimination that exist.
• If you think you might have been treated unfairly or want assistance on issues relating to equality and human rights you can contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service. Their website offers BSL interpretation, web chat services and a contact us form. You can call them on 0808 800 0082 or textphone: 0808 800 0084. 
• Citizens Advice have separate guides to what you can do if you have experienced unlawful discrimination outside of employment and also if you are being discriminated against in the workplace. This service can also be used by volunteers.
• Crimes committed against someone because of their disability, transgender identity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation are hate crimes and should be reported to the police. Learn more and get links on how to report on the True Vision website. 
• Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service (ACAS) has a guide for what employees and employers of all sizes must and should do when discrimination happens or is alleged within the workplace (PDF, 335 KB).
• You have the right to speak up about harm in your organisation, commonly known as 'whistleblowing'. See our whistleblowing guidance or speak to someone at Protect – the UK’s whistleblowing charity.
• For advice about safeguarding issues, see our guidance on what to do if you're worried about safeguarding.
• Read the Acas guidance on dealing with discrimination at work.