§ Mr. Deakinsasked the Secretary of State for Social Services what regular checks are made to ensure that his Department's non-discriminatory policy is working satisfactorily; and what are the internal arrangements for dealing with complaints about it.
§ Mr. Kenneth ClarkeOur Department took part in the ethnic survey of staff in the north-west and Avon. Copies of the report are in the Library. A survey of applicants for Civil Service posts is currently taking place in those areas.
Discrimination complaints are made via line management to the personnel officer. The advice and aid of the trade union may be sought in making complaints. The departmental equal opportunity officer may be consulted for information. There is a right of appeal to the head of the Department. If the individual is ultimately dissatisfied with the way the complaint has been handled he or she can refer the case to the Commission for Racial Equality or take the complaint to an industrial tribunal.