Mission Statement

We offer a simple, straightforward mechanism to remedy discrimination. Our customers include people who feel they have experienced unlawful discrimination and people or businesses against whom a complaint is made. Equality Officers appointed by the Director have wide powers to investigate a complaint and, where it is upheld, to order compensation and/or a specified course of action. Our Decisions are binding unless appealed. We also offer mediation where appropriate. Our services are accessible to all and are free of charge. Our customers are not required to be formally represented.

In accordance with the principles of natural justice, we are impartial and we give all sides the opportunity to be heard fairly. We hold hearings in private and we publish all Decisions. Mediated settlements remain confidential.

We aim for the highest possible quality standards in our work. We operate in a way which is fully accessible, transparent and easily understood. We do our best to provide for people's special needs. We deal with complaints as quickly and effectively as possible. Our staff have professional training and experience. We are committed to delivering Decisions which are balanced, robust and well-founded in law.

Preventing Discrimination

We also have a role in preventing future discrimination. Our Decisions provide a strong foundation of case law to assist in the elimination of unlawful discrimination. We make all Decisions available to the widest possible audience to foster an awareness of what constitutes discrimination and to help prevent future discrimination.

Grounds of Discrimination

For information on Grounds of Discrimination, visit our 'What is Discrimination?' section.