Equality Advisory Support Service

The Government has commissioned a new Equality Advisory Support Service (EASS) to replace the EHRC Helpline. The EHRC Helpline is closed and can no longer be contacted for new enquiries by phone, letter or email.

The Government decided to stop funding the EHRC helpline following a review of the EHRC's provision of information, advice and support which is available at:

Government Equalities Office - Information, advice and support on equality and human rights issues.

Following a procurement process carried out under EU rules, the contract to provide the EASS has been awarded to Sitel. Sitel works with Disability Rights UK, the Law Centres Federation, Voiceability, the British Institute of Human Rights and the Royal Association for Deaf People.

The EASS works collaboratively with the organisations from whom it receives referrals and where the individual consents, let them know the outcome of cases they refer. EASS works closely with EHRC, referring on potential test cases and sharing information to inform the EHRC's wider work on equality.

The new service is aimed at individuals who need more expert advice and support on discrimination than advice agencies and other local organisations can provide.

The EASS does:

  • Give bespoke advice to individuals across the whole of Great Britain on discrimination issues
  • Explain legal rights and remedies within discrimination legislation, across the three nations.
  • Explain options for informal resolution and help people to pursue them.
  • Refer people who cannot or do not wish to go down this road to conciliation or mediation services.
  • Help people who need or want to seek a legal solution by helping to establish eligibility for legal aid and if they are not eligible, to find an accessible legal service or to prepare and lodge a claim themselves.

The EASS does not:

  • Provide legal advice
  • Provide representation in any legal proceedings
  • Provide advice on court or tribunal procedures once a claim has been issued
  • Advise on the strength of a case or the evidence needed to prove a case
  • Provide advice to solicitors and other professional advisors

Contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)

The contact numbers for the new service are:

  • Phone: 0808 800 0082
  • Textphone: 0808 800 0084

Opening hours:

  • 09:00 to 20:00 Monday to Friday
  • 10:00 to 14:00 Saturday
  • closed on Sundays and Bank Holidays

Website http://www.equalityadvisoryservice.com/

Post: FREEPOST Equality Advisory Support Service FPN4431

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