Passed over for senior role after informal discussion

Q: I would like some advice on an employment issue. I have worked for 18 years for a veterinary surgery and went part-time 6 years ago. In this period, the practice has been sold. The person in charge has also changed. Initially I was happy to be a vetinary surgeon in a part-time role, but I now wish to do more admin and possibly expand my hours. I have noted this when having my appraisal but nothing has happened. 3 weeks ago the clinical director said he was leaving. He hinted that the role would probably be filled internally. I never said I wanted to be the clinical director but stated that “It does make you think about taking other roles in the practice”. He then said I needed to speak to another director who may have good ideas for me. I asked the other director if they had any ideas on who may take over the clinical director role and stated that I did not know if I could carry out the role. The director said she would cross me off the list. The following day another employee said she had been offered the role. I am not happy and I believe that I should have been given the opportunity to apply for the job. What can I do about this situation?

A: The job should have been advertised either internally or externally. This potentially could be a breach of the Equality Act.