Equality Advisory Support Service Reviews 236

I contacted the Equality Advisory & Support Service because I was distressed by how the Department for Work and Pensions handled my disclosure of homophobic abuse during an administrative phone call at the Mandatory Reconsideration stage for PIP. I did not feel that the DWP case manager was trained to handle such disclosures, and her comment in the written notes I later received — “claimant (…) did not stop talking at me for 5 minutes” — was crass, tin‑eared and upsetting.

I spoke to Debbie at the Equality Advisory Service for fifty minutes. I was distressed at the start of the call, and she responded with empathy and skilled listening. She signposted support from GALOP and Support Through Court. She also explained the concepts of Prohibited Conduct and Discrimination Arising from Disability, and directed me to a template letter for raising discrimination concerns.

I would strongly recommend this advisory service. The staff member I spoke to was well‑informed and supportive.

I had my first call with the Equality Advisory and Support Service today and spoke with Jamie. The support was exceptional — clear, accurate, and genuinely helpful. Jamie took the time to explain everything in a way that was easy to understand and made the whole process feel straightforward. A very positive first experience and greatly appreciated.

Whilst on holiday in England (I am from Northern Ireland), my friend & I experienced upsetting disability discrimination. As this had occurred in England, I had to seek advice there.
I spoke to a lovely lady, Jamie, who listened to my explanation of what had happened. She asked me relevant questions about the details. Jamie was very knowledgeable about the support I need to take this further. She explained that they are not able to provide legal advice ( I knew this from the website) but did explain in detail of what I could do to move forward. This involved the relevant policies, Acts, Law, etc.
I really felt that Jamie did listen to me & pointed me in the right direction. I am so glad I made that call today. I have gained a lot of new information which will be of great benefit to me. I am very grateful for Jamie's input.

RORY HE WAS THE PERSON works within the e a s s advisory. He gave me some excellent advice. He had time for me and every question I needed to be asked he could answer professionally he spoke to me like a person something that I was very happy with it wasn't a dictated Script so yeah, I was over the moon with the outcome and now I had the conversation. I was clear in my mind going foward

Rosie

Two weeks to attempt to get someone, a sent a complaints form and it won't even send, total gaslighting of the disabled community

In comment to the reply, tired very hard to complain several times, the online form doesn't submit when the office is shut. So after spending a long time creating a complaint form it was deleted. Theres even an offer to given feed back on the calls, which cut you off so feedback is impossible.

I have sent email just yesterday, asking to complain by email which is reasonable adjustment for my disability.

Simply disgusted

Debbie the advisor explained things very well. Making sure I understood while being friendly and considerate. Many thanks.

Advisory support

Spoke to a very helpful advisor called Debbie, she went through everything thoroughly and made sure any questions I had were answered to the best of her knowledge. Would use this service again if needed and would definitely recommend to anyone that needs advice or pointing in the right direction.

I spoke to Debbie this morning, she was very helpful and kind. It was nice to feel listened to. I would recommend this service for information and for guiding you in the right direction. Thank you Debbie.

A private Company with no legal training, giving out false and misleading information on Human Rights. To what end? (Perhaps to protect their fellow private companies that are also taking tax payers money for services to nowhere?) What is the purpose of this private company beyond taking tax payers money to not fulfil any useful role in society. They didnt provide legal advice and acted as a gatekeeper that admits they very rarely forward on information to the commissioner and actual public servants. Even when strategic aims are met theyll make up some other reasoning for why they haven't forwarded it on that is a load of nonesense. PLUS, they dont understand the Human Rights policy and will say they wont quote it because its not their policy. So, SERIOUSLY... what is their actual function if not to address human rights and human rights policy? Terrible private organisation. Online AI will state this is not a private company. Don't be fooled. It is, and they've admitted it.
After the response of the EASS I would like to add that my case not only filled the requirements to be taken further, but is actually the exact example given by the Human Rights Committee of what should be done in this matter, yet the EASS stated that I had no case. They clearly don't understand the Equality Act, or the law it is part of. Shockingly bad company.

I am absolutely amazed how helpful Debbie was on the phone, she was unbelievably knowledgeable and helpful she told me exactly what options I had available and spoke me through it all, not rushed or judgmental she understood my needs and was all around amazing I was struggling all day to get help from my union but Debbie was more helpful in the end highly recommend using EASS

Rang about a disability discrimination issue. Debbie the advisor was brilliant really helpful, and extremely knowledgeable. Helped me all she could it’s a complex system to navigate but after my long discussion and all the information I feel equipped to take the next steps. Thank you Debbie

I had a really great experience when I asked for some help in knowing what to do next in a situation at work. They break it down really easily but also add a human touch to it which is appreciated when navigating something sensitive. Thank you so much

I spoke with Rory who was caring, considerate, informative, honest and a great listener. He was able to shine a light on areas I had not considered myself. I am most grateful for his time ( I was not rushed or felt he needed to accept another call, he made me his priority)and his expertise. Thank you so much ☺️

Spoke with Rory this morning. Really insightful and feel a lot more confident going into my meeting with HR.

I got intouch them about an issue with the council denying a ramp for my motorbility scooter, I found the Equality Advisory service extremely helpful and now can approach the council with more information on my rights as a disabled person access to my home.

I found chatting to Janye very helpful and got some very useful tips.

Great, swift service. Very informed staff. Extremely helpful and reassuring.

I spent an hour on a call with Rory and honestly... it was the highlight of my day. I felt heard, validated, respected and understood. He gave appropriate and considered advice and a couple of much needed laughs as well.

Jayne spent over an hour talking to me on the live chat and helping. She was kind and provided lots of information and talked me through it