Each of the scenarios below involves some kind of discrimination.

Scenario 1: Heather uses a wheelchair. Care home worker, Frances is worried that she will get hurt in a dance activity she has organised outside in the garden so she leaves her by herself inside watching the other residents enjoy the activity.
Scenario 2: David is a new, black employee at an adult social services organisation. A week after he starts, one of his co-workers, Marcia accuses him of stealing her mobile phone and asks around the setting to see if he has been near her desk, saying “You just can’t trust some people”.
Scenario 3: Malika, who has autism, is from a Gypsy / Traveller family newly arrived in the area. Juan, her support worker, decides that it’s not worth making as much effort with Malika as with other individuals he supports as she will be leaving again soon.
Scenario 4: Laida has limited mobility and cannot speak. She uses a voice synthesizer. Usha, a care worker at the setting finds it challenging to speak to Laida so she avoids her.

1. What do you think will be the effects of the discrimination if nothing is done to challenge it?
2. How would you feel if you were Heather, David, Malika and Laida?
3. How can you, as a manager, put measures in place to ensure these scenarios never happen at your organisation?

It is rare that there is just one way to respond to a scenario or situation, so do not consider that the responses you have to the above scenario will be judged as right or wrong. Share your scenario with a work colleague or friend and ask them to tell you whether they think you have responded appropriately. Ask them to challenge your response if necessary. You do not need to submit this task for assessment unless asked to do so by your assessor.