Ostracised over support: Durham County Council:

John Hewitt is the CEO and I tagged him in this on LinkedIN. I speak with reporters today. 💪🏻❤️

I sent this to Durham County Council but they're ignoring me and sending me to their messenger from DurhamEnable instead which is becoming a conflict of interest because I don't feel like I can use Employment Support Services for myself as a disabled individual when they're using them to silence me as an advocate.

This is ignorance not support.

I requested the following:

Dear Durham County Council,

I am writing in response to the cancellation of my DurhamEnable podcast episode and your reference to a breach of social media policy. I have not received any prior copy or communication outlining this policy, nor was I made aware that certain content—particularly involving perceptions rather than factual evidence—would be grounds for disciplinary action or cancellation.

Therefore, I am formally requesting:

1. A complete and up-to-date copy of your social media policy.

2. A clear explanation of how I am alleged to have breached this policy.

3. The date and method by which this policy was shared with me or agreed upon.

4. Any formal procedures or appeals processes I am entitled to.

As a disabled advocate engaging in public education and awareness work, I am concerned that this response appears to disproportionately punish me for a perceived image, rather than any actual misconduct. I am also concerned that this may constitute a form of discrimination under the Equality Act 2010.

I look forward to your prompt response so we can resolve this matter transparently.

Sincerely,

Sarah Wingfield 

Independent Disability Advocate 

However none of this has been provided and they won't have anyone from DCC speak to me - just using DurhamEnable as their malicious messenger.

This is the most unprofessional thing I've come across when it comes to sabotage and I'm not happy and don't feel comfortable using DurhamEnable now.

All I did was an amazing and educational podcast with them and someone from my local area filed a malicious complaint and Durham County Council lied and claimed I breached their social media policies but I can't disprove this if they REFUSE to send me the policies!

I'm tired of doing hard work and helping others when organisations and companies are ostracising us as disabled individuals and silencing our advocacy.

This is hate campaigns - NOT support.

All I got back from them (see screenshot)

Very unhappy as I am trying to help the world and people won't be professional and choose ostracising and silencing over supporting!

Sarah Wingfield ❤️

I have since emailed them the following:

Formal Complaint: Withholding of Policy Information and Discriminatory Silencing of Disability Advocacy

Dear Durham County Council,

I am writing to express my ongoing concerns following the cancellation of my DurhamEnable podcast episode and the lack of response to my previous formal request, regarding the alleged breach of your social media policy.

To date, I have not received:

1. A copy of the social media policy I am said to have breached;

2. An explanation of the alleged breach itself;

3. The date and method by which this policy was shared with me;

4. Information regarding my right to appeal or challenge this decision.

Instead, I am being redirected solely to DurhamEnable staff, despite the fact that my concerns are with Durham County Council itself. This represents a clear conflict of interest. It is neither appropriate nor fair for a third-party service to act as a barrier between a disabled individual and the local authority accountable for decisions that affect their public role, reputation, and advocacy work.

The lack of transparency, refusal to provide policy documentation, and failure to allow me to challenge this effectively could amount to disability discrimination under the Equality Act 2010, particularly if this action was based on public perception rather than documented misconduct.

Additionally, redirecting a complaint of this nature to a service meant to support me as a disabled person is not only inappropriate — it undermines my ability to access that support in good faith moving forward.

I am therefore requesting the following again, formally:

A full and up-to-date copy of the social media policy in question;

A clear, written explanation of the specific breach alleged;

Evidence of where and how this policy was communicated or agreed with me;

Details of any complaints procedure or right to appeal within the Council.

Unless this information is provided within 14 days, I will be forced to escalate this matter to external bodies including:

The Local Government and Social Care Ombudsman

EHRC (Equality and Human Rights Commission)

My local MP

Media channels dedicated to disability rights and public accountability.

I am acting not only on behalf of myself, but also on behalf of other disabled advocates who face silencing and exclusion from systems that should be supporting them.

I expect a formal reply, not redirection.

Sincerely,

Sarah Wingfield

Independent Disability Advocate