ACAS

Acas stands for Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service. It aims to improve organisations and working life through better employment relations. They help with employment relations by supplying up-to-date information, independent advice and high quality training, and working with employers and employees to solve problems and improve performance.

Whether you're an employer or an employee you can get free advice from their website or by calling their telephone helpline. Employers might also be interested in their more specialised services, including training, workplace projects, conciliation and mediation.

Although largely funded by the Department for Business Innovation & Skills (BIS), Acas is a non-departmental body, governed by an independent Council. This allows them to be independent, impartial and confidential. Founded in 1975, they have over 30 years' experience of working with people in organisations of every size and type.

The Acas Council is responsible for determining their strategic direction, policies and priorities, and ensuring their statutory duties are carried out effectively. Chaired by Ed Sweeney, members are leading figures from business, including unions, independent sectors and academics. Chair and Council members are part-time roles, appointed by the Secretary of State for BIS.

Their day-to-day operations are managed by their Chief Executive, John Taylor, and a management board that includes their national and regional directors. They have around 800 staff, based in their London head office and 11 main regional centres across England, Scotland and Wales.