| The Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service | | | | such as discipline, absence rules, contracts and |
| (ACAS) is a non-departmental body of the | | | | redundancy.o Training: ACAS arranges training |
| Government of the United Kingdom. It was | | | | sessions on various employee related issues.o |
| founded in 1975 to foster industrial relations and | | | | Publications: ACAS publishes booklets and |
| improve employee working conditions. ACAS | | | | handbooks on topics such as writing employment |
| involves employers and employees in an effort to | | | | contracts, employment legislation, leave |
| resolve disputes though conciliation. ACAS also | | | | entitlement, etc.o eManager: ACAS offers |
| works with employees to increase productivity | | | | specialised software designed to maintain records |
| levels and provides up-to-date information on | | | | of discipline and employee grievance cases, and |
| employment legislation through its helpline. | | | | provide data to help employers in making the right |
| ACAS is publicly funded, a fact that allows it to | | | | decisions.o Videos: ACAS also produces video clips |
| remain independent and impartial in its dealings. | | | | about the various services that it offers for |
| Though often confused with a trade union, ACAS | | | | employers and employees. |
| functions more in the role of an impartial | | | | The origin of ACAS can be traced back to 1896, |
| arbitrator helping parties to arrive at mutually | | | | in the form of a voluntary service offered by the |
| acceptable solutions. ACAS is governed by a | | | | government. Called Industrial Relations Services in |
| council of prominent names from business, | | | | 1960, it was named Conciliation and Advisory |
| academics and the independent sector. The | | | | Service in 1972. In 1974, control of its affairs |
| organisation currently maintains 11 main regional | | | | passed from the government to an independent |
| centres throughout England, Scotland and Wales | | | | council. In 1975, it was renamed the Advisory |
| with a head office in London. | | | | Conciliation and Advisory Service, or ACAS, as it |
| Some of the services offered by ACAS include:o | | | | is now known. |
| E-Learning: ACAS offers information on issues | | | | |