FAQ
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Frequently asked questions
Q: Can anyone seek assistance from your organisation? A: We help anyone who is living, working or visiting Haringey and have suffered discrimination based on their race, gender, age, sexual orientation, religion and beleif or disability. Our Services are open to anyone suffering discrimination.
Q: What do you mean by visiting Haringey?
A: By visiting Haringey, we mean an incident occurred in Haringey whilst you were in the borough.
Q: I do not live or work in Haringey but my borough does not have a Race & Equality Council. Can you help?
A: Unfortunately we cannot take up your case, but we may be able to advise you on your particular case.
Q: If I do not live in Haringey, are you able to refer me to a relevant agency in my Borough?
A: No. Unfortunately we only know of appropriate agencies in Haringey
Q: I have not suffered from discrimination. Can I still contact your organisation for assistance?
A: We only advise and assist clients experiencing discrimination. However, if you do contact us we may be able to signpost you to a relevant agency who may be able to help you
Q: Do i need to make an appointment or can i just come into the office to seek advice?
A: You can do both. You can also email us. However, please note that if you phone us or come into the office, there may not be an officer present to assist you.
Q: What happens if an officer is not present? Can I make an appointment to see an officer?
A: When you come into the office or phone us, our admin officer will take down details of your case. If it falls within our remit and an officer is not available to see you, you will be asked to leave your contact number. One of our officers will contact you at the first available opportunity to discuss your case and if necessary, make an appointment for you to come into the office.
Q: How many officers do you have?
A: At present we only have two officers.
Q: What assistance do you give on Employment cases?
A: We assist clients in employment disputes with:
- Grievance Procedures: Help with writing a statement, representing clients at any internal hearings and appeals, etc
- Mediation
- Assist in completing and submitting RR65 Forms
- Assist in completing and submitting ET1 form.
- Referring clients to FRU for representation
Q: What about representation?
A: We do not represent clients at Employment Tribunal.
Q: Who will be able to represent me if your organisation is assisting me and I need to go to Employment Tribunal?
A: We refer cases to FRU (Free representation Unit)
Q: So, I am guaranteed representation?
A: Referring cases to FRU does NOT guarantee representation and therefore all clients need to be mindful that they, not Haringey REC, will be responsible for representation should FRU not take up the case.
Q: Another agency has already referred my case to FRU, but they did not offer to represent me. Can I transfer my case to your organisation so that you can refer me to FRU?
A: As a rule we DO NOT take up cases once they have started by either the client or another agency representing the client. We assist clients from the earliest stage of their complaint
Q: Are there any exceptions to the rule?
A: Yes. If your case is based on discrimination, you have a hearing date at Employment Tribunal, and another agency has NOT submitted a request to FRU on your behalf and, you have the following information readily available:
- Fully Completed ET1 & ET3 Forms
- Notice of Hearing with date, time, venue, case ref number, etc
- Any orders & decisions of Tribunal
- Any further supporting documentation - witness statements, etc
- Details of ACAS contact
Therefore, as long as you can demonstrate that a referral has not been made to FRU and you have ALL the documentation available, we may be able to assist you in making a referral.
Q: I have a hearing date but do not have some of the documents you have stated above. Can you still help me?
A: In order for us to make a referral you will need all the documents stated above. Our current resources do not allow preparing them on behalf of clients.
Q: I need legal representation. Can you help?
A: Unfortunately, we are not qualified to give legal representation.