How to deal with workplace discrimination?

With the ongoing discrimination debacle shining a light on the English Football Association’s workplace HR mechanisms, HR Grapevine spoke to Richard Nicolle, Employment Law Partner at Stewarts to find out how HR can combat discrimination at work.

How can HR work to ensure that discrimination issues don’t happen?

Whilst the level of media coverage of diversity issues in the England women’s football team and the FA’s handling of the resultant investigation and fallout from these issues has gained an unusual level of public scrutiny, it nevertheless provides a salutary reminder as to the potential significance of such issues.  It goes without saying that it is an important role of HR to ensure systems, policies, processes and training are in place to minimise the risk of diversity issues arising. 

It is particularly important that mandatory diversity training is provided to all employees and that regular up-dates occur. It is also important that HR ensures that policies are in place pursuant to which employees feel comfortable in reporting any concerns.