How to File an Official Complaint Against Discriminatory Practices
How to turn a discrimination concern into a clear complaint with evidence, requested remedies and preserved legal options.
Last reviewed: 6 July 2026 · UK guidance
In brief
A strong complaint explains what happened, when, who was involved, how it related to a protected characteristic or adjustment duty, and what outcome is sought. It does not need to quote every law or include every previous frustration.
Use the organisation’s formal route, but check whether a separate appeal, ombudsman, regulator or court or tribunal deadline applies. Internal complaints often do not stop legal time running. Obtain advice early if employment, education, housing or services are involved.
Build a dated incident table
For each event, record date, place, people, words or decision, witnesses, documents and impact. Separate what you directly observed from what you infer. Preserve original messages and policies.
Explain the discrimination link
State whether the issue was different treatment, a neutral rule with unequal impact, treatment arising from disability, harassment, victimisation or a failed reasonable adjustment. If uncertain, describe the facts and ask an adviser to identify the legal category.
Ask for a specific remedy
Possible outcomes include reconsideration, an effective adjustment, corrected record, apology, restored service, staff training, compensation or policy change. Request what would resolve your individual harm rather than only asking the organisation to “investigate itself”.
Keep the complaint accessible
Request email, accessible format, interpreter, companion or additional response time where needed. If the complaint concerns a staff member, ask for an independent investigator and explain any safety concern about direct contact.
Escalate without losing deadlines
Read the final response for ombudsman or regulator routes. For legal claims, seek specialist advice before limitation periods expire. Keep proof of submission and any agreed extension.
Make a focused discrimination complaint
Use as the opening of a formal complaint.
I am making a formal complaint about [decision or incident] on [date]. The disability or protected-characteristic link is [brief explanation], and I had requested [adjustment if relevant]. The evidence attached is [items]. The impact was [specific harm]. I am seeking [remedy]. Please confirm the investigator, timetable, accessible communication and next escalation route.
A practical checklist
- Create a dated evidence table.
- Describe the link to discrimination clearly.
- Ask for an outcome that addresses the harm.
- Check legal deadlines separately from the complaint.
Check the current information
These are the most relevant official or specialist places to confirm live rules, availability and application details.
gov.uk
Open official informationequalityadvisoryservice.com
Open official informationacas.org.uk
Open official informationcitizensadvice.org.uk
Open official informationChoose one next action
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