At Acas, we understand trying to resolve a problem at work can be difficult and stressful. We treat everyone with respect and dignity.
What you can expect from us
Our conciliators will:
- provide a fair, open and accessible service
- listen carefully to your questions and concerns
- treat you with respect, empathy and dignity
- behave in line with the Civil Service Code – read the Code on GOV.UK
In return, we ask that you are:
- polite
- respectful
- open
- honest
Importance of respectful communication
Respectful communication helps create a safe environment for everyone. This means the focus can be on resolving the dispute.
Unacceptable behaviour can affect our ability to help you because:
- it makes constructive communication difficult
- it reduces trust and respect
- it negatively affects the wellbeing of those involved
Behaviour that is unacceptable
Examples of unacceptable behaviour include:
- swearing or being abusive
- shouting or demanding
- demanding help for something outside our role or responsibilities
- being aggressive
- threats or intimidation
- direct verbal abuse
- personal attacks
- online abuse
- discrimination, for example racist or sexist comments
- threats of violence
- stalking
What we’ll do if your behaviour is unacceptable
We'll give you a chance to change the behaviour, but if it continues we might:
- end calls
- put restrictions on contact in place, for example, email-only contact
- report threats to the police
We might end conciliation if:
- the unacceptable behaviour does not improve
- there is a health and safety risk to our employees
- it is clear a settlement will not be possible because of the behaviour
If we end conciliation due to unacceptable behaviour, this would not stop an employment tribunal claim.