Equality Advisory and Support Service

The Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS) is an advice service aimed at individuals who need expert information, advice and support on discrimination and human rights issues and the applicable law, particularly when this is more than advice agencies and other local organisations can provide.

The EASS was commissioned by Government in 2012 to replace the EHRC Helpline, which is now closed. The EHRC is no longer able to respond to individual enquiries as the EASS has taken over this role. Information about the decision to close the Helpline is available on the Government Equalities Office website.

The service is run by Sitel (a private sector organisation) working with Disability Rights UK and other partners. The EASS works collaboratively with other advice organisations from whom it receives referrals, and with the EHRC. It does this by referring on potential test cases and sharing information to inform the EHRC's wider work on equality and human rights. Information is only passed on with the consent and knowledge of the individual concerned.

The EASS can:

  • 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

But it cannot:

  • 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 employers
  • Provide advice to solicitors and other professional advisors

Contact the Equality Advisory and Support Service (EASS)

The contact details for the service are:

Phone: 0808 800 0082
Textphone: 0808 800 0084

Website: Equality Advisory and Support Service

Post: FREEPOST Equality Advisory and Support Service FPN4431

Opening hours:

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

Last Updated: 30 Nov 2015