*NEW Service: Combating Discrimination on the grounds of Religion, Faith or Belief

How Can GREC Help You? *Download the Casework Leaflet

We provide a confidential service and can help or refer you to a more appropriate agency if:

You have been harassed verbally or physically because of your race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin.

You feel that you have been discriminated against, or victimised, because of your race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin.

You require information and advice on race-related issues.

You require advice on anti-racist and equal opportunities training for your organisation.

What Will GREC Do For You?

In circumstances where the complaint is within the scope of the RRA, a statement of the complaint will be taken from the client, an assessment of the type of discrimination involved will be made, and an appropriate level of assistance will be agreed with the client. No legal action will be taken on a complaint without the client's informed consent.

Clients should be made aware of the time limits involved in taking forward a complaint of racial discrimination. In employment cases it is three months less one day from the date of the incident (e.g. refusal of job application), and in service provision cases, it is six months less one day. It is the responsibility of the client to submit their application to the Employment Tribunal or Sheriff Court in time. However, clients will be assisted by GREC in doing this.

On occasions, after investigation, a complaint will be without sufficient evidence to legally substantiate the claim. Additionally, in certain circumstances GREC may be unable to proceed further with a case. The complainant still has the right to proceed with the case on his/her own, however. Where a complainant wishes to proceed on their own, assistance in preparing the case may be provided by GREC, although representation by GREC will not be given.

In all cases involving litigation, there is a risk of costs being awarded against a complainant by the Employment Tribunal. Tribunals rarely award costs, but do so where they consider that a complainant has behaved vexatiously, frivolously, or unreasonably in taking forward their case. GREC will advise a complainant if there is a likelihood of costs being awarded but cannot be held liable in the event that a costs award is made by the Employment Tribunal against the complainant. The Employment Tribunal also has the power to strike out what it defines as 'weak' cases, at any time in the proceedings.

Media contact with newspapers, journals, radio etc is strongly discouraged by GREC until after a case is concluded, unless previously agreed with GREC. This requirement is necessary in order to prevent accusations of defamation arising from statements given to the media.

If a client is unhappy with the service provided by GREC, you can submit a letter of complaint to the Chair of the Executive Committee, GREC, 168 Market Street, Aberdeen, AB11 5PP. The complaint will be recorded and investigated immediately, in strictest confidence and with impartiality. The client will be informed of how the complaint will be investigated, and by whom, within one working week of receipt of the complaint. GREC is committed to taking remedial action if appropriate, including a review of service and procedures as a result of the complaint. Clients also have ultimate recourse to the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE) Ombudsman.

Contact

Ron Falconer Casework Office T: 01224 576799 Email: rfalconer@grec.co.uk

Click here to download a copy of the Casework Leaflet as a PDF.