Collective Conciliator (Wales)

Job summary

The purpose of the role is to:

• Provide a highly effective professional collective dispute resolution service through the personal management and resolution of collective conciliation cases in Wales
• Appropriately handle collective mediation and arbitration cases
• Identify opportunities to improve the collective conciliation process.
• Build collective conciliation expertise and enhance the Acas reputation
• Support and promote the development of collective dispute resolution services across external stakeholders
• Build and maintain strong internal and external stakeholder relationships with both Trade Union and Employer representatives
• Support the delivery of the Advice and Business Solutions function by a shared approach to diagnosis and brokerage of business, trade union and employee requirements

The working location (‘patch’) focus for this role is Wales, and there is an expectation that the successful candidate will be able to work outside of Wales on occasion. Travel expenses for journeys to locations outside of Cardiff will be reimbursed in line with the Acas Expenses Policy.

Job description

The postholder's main accountabilities will include the following:

• Service Delivery - Accountable for working with the parties in dispute to find a jointly acceptable resolution.
• Acting Impartially - Accountable for acting independently and impartially in the progression and resolution of collective conciliation, mediation and arbitration cases.
• Dispute Management - Accountable for managing collective disputes either self-identified or referred/allocated from initial contact and diagnostics through to successful outcome/resolution for all parties involved. At all times working towards a joint resolution.
• Pre-conciliation talks - Accountable for actively and repeatedly contacting parties in disputes which have been apprehended in order to maximise opportunities for progression to full collective conciliation (previously referred to as ‘running alongside’), seeking to convert as many disputes as possible to collective conciliation, and fully recording this activity.
• Recording of activity - Accountable for recording each dispute correctly, within the time limits defined by the agreed operating procedures (currently 3 days) keeping records up to date and accurate as required by operating procedures.
• IC multiple disputes - Accountable for leading in workplace disputes identified and allocated through the IC Multiple route, and in line with protocols.
• Effective Communication - Accountable for maintaining good effective and open communications across all parties throughout the conciliation process, including employer bodies, individual employers and relevant trade union officials and representatives.
• Stakeholder Relationships - Accountable for building and maintaining effective external stakeholder relationships to support the identification of future disputes and to build and maintain the reputation of Acas, including with Trade Union officials and HR and business representatives.
• Employer diagnostic activity - Accountable for carrying out introductory diagnostic meetings with employers and/or trade unions, to identify opportunities for appropriate intervention by self or by colleagues or others in order to address the given issue, in line with agreed operating procedures, including but not limited to identifying opportunities for an intervention at or near dispute and/or a joint problem-solving exercise.
• Collective Arbitration and Mediation - Accountable for developing appropriate Terms of Reference where the parties have agreed to participate in Acas collective arbitration or mediation.
• Colleague Development - Accountable for supporting the development of colleagues to improve understanding of management and resolution of collective conciliation disputes.
• Complex Group Mediations - Accountable for working with all parties in dispute to find a solution in complex group mediations.
• External TU and Employer Relationships - Accountable for developing and maintain relationships with Trade Union officials and HR and business representatives to enhance Acas’ services.
• Business Referral - Accountable for identifying and cross-referring opportunities for income generation, business development, training, advisory and other services in line with agreed protocols.
• Subject Matter Expert support - Accountable for providing subject matter expertise to a range of internal colleagues including but not limited to digital and workplace policy teams.

Who we are

Acas exists to make working life better for everyone in Britain. We are the experts in workplace matters, we’re impartial, so we’re not on anyone’s side. That means we’re working for everyone to help prevent, manage and resolve workplace issues.

Acas helps employers and employees by providing information, advice, training, conciliation and other services that prevent, manage or resolve workplace problems.

Acas: Britain’s Workplace Experts

Acas has been recognised for its Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace from the Employers Network for Equality and Inclusion awards; it has been Disability Confident Highly Commended, a Pay Gap award winner, and an Overall winner for public sector organisations. Acas is committed to providing services and developing policies which embrace diversity, promote equality of opportunity and eliminate unlawful discrimination.

Person specification

The successful applicant will have the following:

Essential technical criteria

• Excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills (Lead criterion)
• Ability to think critically, research and persuade in negotiations.
• Strong listening skills
• Organisation and time-management and ability to effectively manage own workloads

Essential experience criteria

• Prior and recent experience in Individual and Group Conciliation or Mediation (Lead criterion)
• Up to date knowledge of Employment Law
• Ability to apply relevant laws, regulations, policies, or precedents to reach conclusions

Travel requirements

As part of the role, the successful applicant will be expected to attend multiple sites located throughout Wales on a regular basis with occasional travel to other locations in the UK. Travel and accommodation costs incurred for official duties will be fully funded by Acas in line with departmental policy.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Managing a Quality Service

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £46,750, Advisory, Conciliation and Arbitration Service contributes £13,543 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).

We’re big believers in rewarding people for the amazing work they do. Take a look at some of the fantastic benefits we offer:

• Learning and Development
• Health and wellbeing
• Pension scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Interest free season ticket loans
• Volunteering opportunities

Could you ask for anymore?

You’ll have access to a Lifestyle website where you’ll be