2. How conciliation works
Collective conciliation involves Acas working directly with employers and groups of workers or their representatives to settle a dispute. It gives both parties the chance to come to an agreement without taking legal or industrial action.
Our collective conciliators set up talks between:
- employers
- official union representatives
- employee representatives – working on behalf of a group of employees
Acas is impartial which means we:
- do not take sides
- help both parties find a solution that everyone agrees to
Initial meetings
A conciliator will usually meet separately with the parties involved. This can be in a video call or in person.
In the meeting, we will:
- explain the collective conciliation process
- talk through the issues with both sides
- help the parties to consider different options
Joint meeting
After the initial meetings, the conciliator will then bring everyone together in a meeting. These are often in person.
In the meeting:
- both parties have the chance to fully explain their position
- a conciliator goes between the parties with offers, to help them reach an agreement
Reaching an agreement
The conciliator will make sure that everyone understands what has been agreed. They can also help write up an agreement.
Meet the team
Joanna Nunn
Head of Collective Dispute Resolution and Chief Conciliator
Aaron Kennedy
Collective Dispute Resolutions Manager (North)
Local collective conciliators
Our conciliators are based in England, Scotland and Wales.
- East Midlands – Graeme Young, Robert Crosby
- East of England – Louise Ramsey
- London – Faye Law, Sarah Podro, Simon Long, Tian Zhu
- North East – Malcolm Phillips
- North West – Gareth Howard, Mel McRae
- Scotland – Jane Fleming, Marie Young
- South East – Matt Penfold, Phil Osborne
- South West – Matt Knight, Michael Gardner
- Yorkshire and The Humber – Alison Frosdick
- Wales – James Forse
- West Midlands – Jane Wilson, Karen Nahal