Equality Advisory Support Service Reviews 236

I spoke to rachel today
Who
.was so paitent and help ful qnd understanding didnt rush me
Yet again
Wonderful reasuring
Service
Thank u
Invaluable service

I spoke with Jayne, she was very helpful. Typing wasn't fun, but I couldn't get through on the phone and the chat function was instant.

Firstly, the chat handler (J) was helpful, so I'll give some stars there, but not for the service on this occasion.

I requested a copy of a chat made a couple of months ago (under a DSAR) and was told that I have to send them a copy of my passport and a utility bill, even though they hold none of the info on these, so these documents are worthless and don't ID me at all. They know my email, as that's what I have used on two separate occasions, and that is how the chat copy would be sent.

This form of ID request is excessive and could be a breach of the Data Protection Act 2018/UK GDPR.

The ICO states:

'We wouldn’t expect the organisation to ask you for ID when they are confident about your identity when you make your request. For example, if you make a request to your employer from your work email, or you have a **live chat where you have to confirm your email** and order number.'

Sort out your blanket policy, EASS, as you are potentially leaving yourself open to ICO complaints or even legal action, as you are, now technically refusing to process my DSAR!

Edit:

EASS replied, basically ignoring all that was written, including the guidance from the ICO.

I've been having some issues at work for a while. As soon as I started quoting equality act sections HR sat up and started to take notice. There was an intersecting educational issue too.
Debbie knew her stuff. Spoke a bit quickly, and I'm not sure I got it all down, but I'm reassured notes are on file if I need to get back in touch.

I spoke with Angela today about my experience of discrimination at work. Their advice was clear and offered with compassion and expertise on a complex case. If you are having any difficulties with discrimination this is the place to call.

Their lines are very busy and you might get cut off when you call but keep trying and someone will pick up. In my case it was Angela and I am really grateful for that! Thank you so much for your help.

Called in today due to discuss my difficulty situation and spoke to Rory who was absolutely brilliant who has put me in a more informed and stronger position. I will be taking the advice recommended by Rory.

I spoke to Rory today who was incredibly patient & helpful. He was extremely knowledgeable and I am now in a stronger and more informed position to deal with the issue I called in about. Thank you!

Spoke with Jamie this morning about my current concerns at work, and he was great at quickly understanding the situation, breaking down my concerns so that I could clearly understand what is and isn’t protected under the equality act, what I can proactively do, as well as signposting me to relevant information and templates that I could use. Jamie also provided good advice on what I should expect from my employer and general good practices. Thank you so much!

Very helpful, polite, informative and friendly!

Spoke to Rory, who was a great help with great advice for my situation.

My advisor listened to everything I said and offered me lots of options which I wasn't aware of and explained how these referred to me. She also advised me what to do in a very clear and easy to understand way.

I spoke to Deborah on live chat earlier over some discrimination issues under the Equality Act. Deborah gave me some useful resources to try and combat these issues with my husbands employer.

They were able to sign post me to advocacy resources related to my concerns. The agent through the live help chat was very attentive, while also polite and understanding.

What an absolutely brilliant service. Jayne was empathetic, helpful and knowledgeable which was extremely comforting when you have a situation that needs navigating with care and compassion. I would thoroughly recommend this service.

A really helpful service - they answered the phone really quickly and spoke to me for as long as I needed to get the advice and help I was desperately looking for. Rory was patient, helpful and explained everything really clearly. The templates on the website are really helpful too. Thank you so much!

I spoke with a guy called Rory today, and honestly has eased off my anxiety and worry of an operation I’m having and giving me so much hope I might hopefully be able to sort something out. He gave me so much information and was really easy to talk to. Thank you so much, I’m so grateful for your help today

As a carer for my disabled brother, I spoke to Debbie this afternoon on the phone regarding disability payments (or income) and council tax liability. Debbie listened patiently to the wider background & context to my inquiry before responding with the relevant legal aspects to our situation. This clarified further my understanding of different aspects the law. Debbie also gave me names and contact details of other organisations which may be worth talking to - much appreciated.

I appreciated the patience and understanding of Jamie. Nothing was too much. Thank you.

I spoke to James today who was extremely helpful and supportive. He requested all the relevant information about a potential disability discrimination situation and outlined the definitions and next steps for me to take.