Acas is a non-departmental public body of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). Most of our funding is provided by the Department for Business and Trade.
Our Framework Document sets out the broad governance framework within which Acas and the Department for Business and Trade operate.
We are governed by an independent council made up of employer, worker and independent members. This means that we can provide an impartial service.
We also have an Executive Board that works with the Acas Council to make sure we meet our targets.
Niall Mackenzie, Acas Chief Executive
The Acas Council
The Acas Council governs our strategic direction, policies and priorities. It makes sure that we work effectively to meet our objectives and targets.
Council members are subject matter experts appointed by the Secretary of State for Business and Trade.
The Chair of the Acas Council is Baroness Maggie Jones, member of the House of Lords.
The Acas Council is supported by 2 sub-committees.
Find out more about our sub-committees
Executive Board
The Executive Board works with the Acas Council to make sure we meet our targets. The board is responsible for:
- reviewing our performance and delivery
- making sure that we're managed effectively
- setting our strategy
Our Executive Board members are:
- Niall Mackenzie, Chief Executive Officer, Accounting Officer
- Sian Kimber, Director of People
- Rob Mackintosh, Director of Finance and Governance
- Angela Gowthorpe, Director of Advice and Business Solutions
- Kevin Rowan, Director of Dispute Resolution
- James Vincent, Director of Digital, Data and Technology
- Kirsty Watt, Director of Strategy and External Affairs
Sub-boards
We also have 3 sub-boards that report to the Executive Board. These are:
- Change Board
- Digital Board
- Artificial Intelligence Board
Conflicts of interest
Members of the Executive Board, Council and Audit Committee are required to declare any conflicts of interest. These are personal or business interests which may influence their judgement and conflict with their management responsibilities.
Find out more about the register of interests
Find out more
You can email secretariat@acas.org.uk if you:
- have any questions about the Acas Council or Executive Board
- want to request a copy of summary minutes of Acas Council meetings