The Office can process complaints of discrimination by two different methods. The traditional and better known method is investigation. An investigation is a quasi-judicial process carried out by an Equality Officer. After completing the investigation, the Equality Officer issues a written decision setting out the reasons for the decision. Equality Officers have extensive powers to enter premises and to obtain information to enable them to conduct an investigation.
Decisions are legally binding and are published.
The alternative method is mediation. The mediator empowers the parties to negotiate their own agreement on a clear and informed basis, should each party wish to do so. The process is voluntary and either party may terminate it at any stage. Consent to mediation is sought independently from both parties. The fact that one side or the other has consented is not disclosed.