This page is designed to answer the following questions:
- 4.2c Describe how to challenge discrimination in a way that encourages positive change (Care Certificate, Standard 4: Equality and diversity)
- 2.3 Describe how to challenge discrimination in a way that encourages change (Level 2 Diploma in Care, Equality and inclusion in care settings)
- 3.3 Describe how to challenge discrimination in a way that promotes change (Level 3 Diploma in Adult Care, Promote equality and inclusion in care settings)
- 3.1 Explain how to challenge discrimination to promote change (Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care, Equality and Diversity)
- 4.3 Challenge discrimination to promote change (Level 4 Diploma in Adult Care, Equality and Diversity)
NOTE: This page has been quality assured for 2023 as per our Quality Assurance policy.
To maintain a culture of anti-discrimination in the workplace, any and all discrimination should be challenged as soon as possible and in a way that encourages change.
Discrimination should never be accepted, excused or dismissed. It should always be challenged to ensure that the discriminating individual and others understand that the behaviour is unacceptable, whether deliberate or unintentional.
There are a few ways that this can be approached.
You should try to be courageous and challenge it face-to-face with the individual as soon as it occurs. This should be performed in a non-confrontational way that could include asking questions, making suggestions and pointing-out opportunities. This is the most effective way of ensuring that it does not reoccur. However, this may not always be possible.
In cases where you do not feel comfortable challenging discrimination yourself, you should always report it to your manager, who will be able to offer guidance and advice and take action to reduce the likelihood of it happening again.
Sometimes discrimination can occur unintentionally and in most cases, informing and educating the individual of their mistake and the reasons why it is unacceptable is enough to stop it from happening again. If an individual continues to be discriminatory, additional formal training may be required or even disciplinary action.
Your employer’s agreed ways of working may provide further guidance about challenging and reporting acts of discrimination.
Example question and answer
Using the table below, identify three ways of challenging discrimination and describe how each will promote change.
Way to challenge discrimination | How this will promote change |
Speaking up if somebody is being discriminatory. | It lets the person know that their behaviour is unacceptable and may allow the opportunity to educate them about why discrimination is wrong. |
Having a company equality and diversity policy that all employees are required to read. | It lets people know what is and is not acceptable and why, along with the potential consequences of non-compliance. |
Reporting discrimination to your manager or making a complaint to the employer of the person discriminating. | The company must take your report/complaint seriously and investigate it thoroughly according to company policies and the law. |