Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service

Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service
Name	Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service
Formed	01 September 1974
Jurisdiction	United Kingdom
Headquarters	London
Chief1 name	Susan Clews
Chief1 position	Chief Executive
Parent department	Department for Business and Trade
Website	https://www.acas.org.uk

Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. It is a non-departmental public body of the Government of the United Kingdom that aims to improve workplace relationships and prevent and resolve disputes. Established by statute in 1974, its primary role is to provide impartial, free advice and conciliation services to employers, employees, and their representatives. The service operates independently but is ultimately accountable to Parliament through the Department for Business and Trade.

History

The genesis of the service followed the recommendations of the 1968 Donovan Report, which highlighted the need for reform in the UK's industrial relations system. It was formally established on 1 September 1974 under the Employment Protection Act 1975, which was introduced by the Labour government of Harold Wilson. Its creation marked a shift towards a more formalized, state-sponsored framework for resolving workplace disputes, distinct from the more voluntarist traditions of British industrial relations. Over the decades, its statutory duties and scope have been expanded and amended by subsequent legislation, including the Employment Relations Act 1999 and the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013.

Functions and services

Its core functions are delivering early conciliation for potential employment tribunal claims, providing collective conciliation during industrial disputes between employers and trade unions, and offering arbitration and mediation as alternative dispute resolution methods. It also provides a wide range of advisory services, including a national telephone helpline, practical online tools, and tailored training for organizations on topics like disciplinary procedures and employment contracts. Furthermore, it publishes statutory Codes of Practice on disciplinary and grievance procedures, which employment tribunals must take into account.

Structure and governance

The organization is led by a Chief Executive, currently Susan Clews, and overseen by an independent Council appointed by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade. It has a head office in London but operates through a network of regional offices across England, Scotland, and Wales. Its staff includes expert conciliators, arbitrators, and advisers who are civil servants. Funding is provided through a grant from the Department for Business and Trade, ensuring its services remain free to the public, though some in-depth training and publications are offered on a commercial basis.

Role in industrial relations

It plays a central, neutral role in the UK's system of industrial relations, acting as a facilitator between parties in conflict. In collective disputes, its conciliators work with organizations like the Trades Union Congress and the Confederation of British Industry to help avert strike action and reach settlements. Its early conciliation service is a mandatory step for most individuals before they can lodge a claim with an Employment tribunal, significantly influencing the volume and nature of cases that proceed to formal litigation.

Notable cases and impact

It has been involved in resolving numerous high-profile industrial disputes, including historical conflicts in nationalized industries like British Rail and coal mining, and more recent disputes in sectors such as Royal Mail and the National Health Service. Its intervention is often credited with preventing widespread strike action and facilitating negotiated outcomes. The introduction of its early conciliation service in 2014 led to a substantial reduction in the number of claims received by Employment tribunals, demonstrating its impact on the wider justice system.

Criticisms and controversies

Some trade unions and employer groups have occasionally criticized its perceived closeness to the government of the day, questioning its absolute neutrality during periods of political tension, such as the UK miners' strike (1984–1985). Its mandatory early conciliation process has also faced scrutiny, with some claimant representatives arguing it can delay access to justice and pressure individuals into suboptimal settlements. Furthermore, like many public bodies, its effectiveness and resource allocation have been subjects of scrutiny by committees like the Public Accounts Committee.

Category:Organisations based in London Category:Industrial relations in the United Kingdom Category:Government agencies established in 1974