Harassment linked to a protected characteristic needs careful factual analysis. Identify the unwanted conduct, the protected connection, the effect and the evidence. General unfairness may be serious without meeting the legal test.
On this page
Protected characteristics
The Equality Act protects age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. The specific harassment provisions apply differently across these characteristics, so obtain specialist advice where the legal route matters.
What the complaint needs to show
- Unwanted conduct.
- A connection to a relevant protected characteristic, or conduct of a sexual nature.
- An effect or purpose involving dignity or an intimidating, hostile, degrading, humiliating or offensive environment.
- Facts supporting the connection and impact.
Examples of relevant evidence
Evidence may include comments, jokes, messages, treatment after disclosure, repeated references to a condition or identity, comparator decisions, exclusion, stereotypes, sexual conduct or a pattern that began after a protected issue was raised.
Members can unlock: a protected-characteristic analysis, evidence connection map, complaint wording, victimisation check, comparator method and route plan covering internal policy, grievance, equality support and urgent safeguards.
Join our careers service to read more...
If everyone knew the best tricks and tips then they would no longer work! That is why the best guidance is for members only.
Subscribe to open the locked section on this page and get access to the full Civil Service Careers premium library.
Get help with applications, interviews, behaviours, personal statements, CVs, tests, workplace problems, promotions, and career decisions, all written for people who want a better result.
Already subscribed? Log in