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Conciliation

Acas has a legal duty to offer free conciliation where a complaint about employment rights has been made to an employment tribunal, and a power to provide conciliation where a claim could be made, but hasn't yet been so. Download the Acas PDF 'Conciliation and tribunals' note that describes the criteria our conciliators will use to decide whether they can exercise the power to conciliate in cases where no tribunal claim has yet been made.

Our role is to help find a solution that both sides find acceptable instead of going to a tribunal hearing. We don't impose solutions, but will try to help you settle your differences on your own terms. This process is known as conciliation. It's essentially the same process as mediation, but conciliation is the term that tends to be used if an employee is making a specific complaint against their employer.

Acas conciliation: voluntary, independent, confidential

Our free conciliation service is voluntary: you only take part if you want to and you can stop at any time – and impartial: we won't take sides or judge who's right or wrong. It's also independent, as we're not part of the Employment Tribunal Service. It doesn't delay the tribunal process, nor can it be used as evidence against you at a tribunal hearing, as it's completely confidential. Nothing you tell us will be passed on to anyone else unless you agree and nothing said can be used in any later company procedures or court action.

However, it may only be available to you for a limited period for certain types of complaint to an employment tribunal. If this applies in your case, the employment tribunal will write and tell you the date this period will end. Otherwise, conciliation may continue until the case is heard by the employment tribunal.

See our Guidance on the Acas conciliation service page for more information. To find out more about how we can help you through early conciliation, go to our page on pre-claim conciliation.

Acas conciliation Q&A

You can read a list of questions and answers about our conciliation services here. (Acas conciliation services Q&A)

Other information sources

The Essential Guide to Employment Tribunals is a DVD designed by Acas to guide you through the employment tribunal process. You can order it through Acas Publications.

Citizens Advice Bureau, solicitors and Law Centres can give help and advice on all matters concerned with employment rights. Trade unions and employers' associations may be able to give assistance to their members.

Equality Direct can give employers free advice and information on equality legislation and good practice. The service covers England at present.

The Equality and Human Rights Commission can give free help and advice on discrimination matters.

You can call the Directgov Pay and Work Rights Helpline website for free help and advice on the national minimum wage. The telephone number is 0800 917 2368.

Can Acas help you?

You can find out more about free Acas conciliation and whether its available for your situation by contacting your local Acas office. Find your local office here > Regional offices and national teams

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