Found audio recording of manager & their manager discussing me

[Eggstrodinary]

Name changed for this but if anyone can confirm my thoughts which are pretty much there's nothing I can actually do about this in a practical sense.

About two weeks ago I was using a computer in my office (anyone can use it, it's not connected to the network), contained in a folder of stock images we use for various things was an audio recording of a discussion between my manager and their manager about me. Their discussion wasn't particularly glowing about me and though I know people often do gossip about others at work but it's stayed in my thoughts because they're basically the people I report to so it's demoralising in a sense.
The recording was made by my manager, unbeknownst to their manager and he accidentally uploaded it where he did because he did batch uploaded various images and files from his phone, forgot that was in there so when I was doing my usual search for stock I came across it. I'm not sure what I'd even want to happen, if anything, but I suppose it's just the feeling of hearing this out loud.

I would go back to the computer and take a copy of it for starters.

Then I'd get legal advice as to whether there may be a case for defamation because you don't know who else has used this shared computer or who else may have listened to the recording (outside of the two parties that were involved in the original recording).

Then check with your union as to whether they have any input on what you've discovered.

Then I'd actually schedule a meeting (bring someone with you) with the manager that uploaded the images/audio to the shared computer and say that you discovered this recording about you when you were on the shared computer. You are very distressed as ANYONE else could have found this and you feel that your reputation has been damaged by this. You don't know who could have discovered this and you don't believe you could ask because that opens up a whole other avenue about what they may/may not have heard and you feel strongly enough to request that the issue be dealt with by HR and possibly your legal representative.

That's what I would do.

Ohh this is a bit strange, why do you think he needed to record what he was saying?

as pp said I would take a copy.

I'd say the content of what they said is most important.

They have reason to discuss you if one is your manager and the other your manager's manager. You might not like what they said, but if it was along the lines of not being happy with your work performance then that's above board. Maybe a little unprofessional in some cases, but the conversation was intended to be private.

However if there was anything exist, ageist, homophones, etc. said, that's definitely unacceptable.

Hard to say without knowing exactly what was said. A bit strange that your manager recorded the conversation though.

Thanks for your replies. I do have a copy and took a picture of the folder to show where it was i.e., I wasn't looking at things I shouldn't have been looking at.
To answer a couple of questions (there is a back story but I was weary of writing a novel in my OP). He took the recording because late last year during one of our regular catchups he got irate and shouted some unpleasant things at me. Shortly after that I spoke with his manager about that meeting as it was the final straw for me and I'd decided to leave the job. His manager intervened, mediated the situation for a while and the whole thing was concluded. I didn't pursue a grievance and we all moved on. Since, things have been generally fine and neither of us have discussed it.
@Walkingwithdinosaurs The recording seems to be proof of vindication because his manager basically said I was to blame for causing that entire situation, if it happened at all. Praised him for 'taking the high road' because sometimes (managers) have to swallow a lot of bullshit for things not of their own making. His manager continues in this sort of vein, though doesn't expressly criticise my performance just my character. @BippityBopper so in that sense there's no discriminative language used about me.

I think@LookItsMeAgain 's advice above is excellent. You have a much better case if your make the complaint about the fact that others were/are able to listen to it, than if you just complain about a hard to hear private conversation.
Definitely talk to your union.

I don’t get why the senior manager didn’t just let you leave then. If he reckoned it was all your fault.

I’ve never accidentally clicked on an audio file before while looking through stock images. That was a lucky find.

It's just politics isn't it. Say what your current audience wants to hear.