Discrimination legislation promotes and protects people's right to equality of status, opportunity, treatment and non-discrimination on the basis of various 'grounds of protection' specified in the legislation.
Frequently asked questions
Why is discrimination legislation needed?
The Committee for Employment & Social Security is keen to ensure that a wide range of training options are available to ensure that employers and service providers (including providers of goods and services, accommodation, education and clubs and associations) have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with the requirements of the new legislation at an appropriate level, before it comes into force.
How is the training presented?
A mixture of online and in person modules. The online training will also be recorded and be available as a learning resource, after March 2023.
What are the benefits to me as a service provider for completing the training?
You will achieve a wider understanding of the new legislation and what your rights and responsibilities will be as a service provider.
When does the new legislation come into force?
The new legislation will come into force on 1st October 2023.
What is your aim as the Consortium?
To deliver a comprehensive training and development programme to support the implementation of the new Discrimination Ordinance for the Commitee for Employment and Social Security.
Through Eventbrite here
Is there a charge to attend the courses?
No, there is no charge to attend the courses. The Committee for Employment & Social Security have sponsored the Consortium to provide this training for everyone, prior to the implementation of the legislation.
What if I miss a course, can I access it later?
The online training will be available to view as a recording. This resource is expected to be available from March 2023. More information will be available via the website in due course.
Do I need to attend all 5 courses?
There is no obligation to attend all 5 training courses however we would recommend most businesses attend all five sessions, the events are standalone and can be attended in any order.
We aim to ensure that people have equal access to Consortium events. If you need assistance with booking a ticket, need alternative formats of course materials, have requests regarding the room layout, need assistance with getting to the venue or moving within the building, or if you have any other reasonable adjustments/special requirements then please contact Laura on 225700 or via email at [email protected] Please make your request at least a week before the event so that arrangements, where possible, can be made.
• Will a copy of the slides be shared after each training session?
Yes, a copy of the slides will be emailed to all attendees after the end of each session, along with a certificate of attendance.
• Will the online sessions be recorded? Can I access the recording at a later date?
Yes, the online sessions will be recorded. Copies of the recordings will be available on this website by the end of Q1 2023
• Where can we access training for the wider workforce?
The States of Guernsey run Disability Awareness training which can be booked at https://states-of-guernsey.accessabletraining.co.uk/login/create-account The partners in the Consortium also offer training, and are happy to be contacted to discuss your specific requirements and whether they are able to assist. The recording of all the consortium course will also be available after Q1 2023. See above.
• Is there a list of conditions that will be classed as disabilities under the Ordinance?
No, any impairment that has lasted or is expected to last 6 or more months will be classed as a disability. The definition of impairment is very wide and would cover most medical conditions.
Can someone bring a claim in relation to act of discrimination that occur prior to 1 October 2023?
No. A person can only bring a claim in relation to acts of discrimination that occur after the Ordinance comes into force.
Yes, provided that the discriminatory act(s) occurred on or after 1 October 2023, and the time limits for bringing claims are observed. Claims must normally be brought within 3 months of the act complained of.
No. The Ordinance provides that the Tribunal can award up to 6 years' back pay, but awards can only be made in respect of the period from 1 October 2023 onwards. For example, if an employer is found to have breached the equal pay provisions on 1 October 2024, only one year's back pay will be awarded.