Collective Conciliator - Wales

Role Overview and Location

This position is based primarily in Cardiff with some work from home flexibility. It requires extensive travel across Wales for face-to-face dispute resolution services. Travel expenses outside Cardiff will be reimbursed per organizational policy, but travel to/from Cardiff office is not claimable. The role must be performed within Great Britain only. Candidates must express preference for Cardiff as base during application and agree with the line manager on hybrid work balance.

The successful candidate is expected to hold a UK driving license and have car access, exceptions may be made under reasonable adjustments.

Primary Purpose

• Deliver professional management and resolution of collective dispute cases throughout Wales.
• Handle collective mediation and arbitration as appropriate.
• Identify ways to enhance collective conciliation processes and build expertise.
• Support promotion and development of collective dispute resolution with external stakeholders.
• Maintain strong relationships with Trade Union and Employer representatives.
• Collaborate across functions to diagnose and broker relevant business and employee needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver services to help parties find mutually acceptable dispute resolutions.
• Impartially manage progression and resolution of collective conciliation, mediation, and arbitration cases.
• Manage collective disputes from detection through successful resolution promoting joint outcomes.
• Conduct proactive pre-conciliation engagement to convert disputes to full conciliation and maintain detailed records.
• Lead management of multiple workplace disputes following established protocols.
• Maintain timely and accurate recording of case activity within specified operational timeframes.
• Ensure open and effective communication among all stakeholders including employers and trade union officials throughout the process.
• Build and sustain external stakeholder networks to identify future disputes and promote Acas’ reputation.
• Perform diagnostic meetings with employers and unions to identify intervention opportunities aligned with procedures.
• Develop terms of reference for agreed collective arbitration or mediation cases.
• Support colleagues' skills development in collective conciliation dispute management.
• Manage complex group mediations to seek acceptable solutions.
• Identify and cross-refer business development, training, advisory, and income-generating opportunities.
• Provide subject matter expertise to internal teams, including digital and policy groups.

About the Organization

Acas aims to improve working life in Britain by delivering impartial advice, information, training, conciliation, and dispute resolution services. Recognized for diversity and inclusion leadership and committed to promoting equality, Acas supports employers and employees throughout workplace challenges.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to critically assess situations, conduct research, and negotiate persuasively.
• Strong listening capabilities.
• Effective organization, time management, and workload prioritization skills.
• Recent hands-on experience in individual and group conciliation or mediation.
• Current knowledge of employment law and ability to apply relevant laws and policies to decision making.

Travel and Work Environment

Regular travel across multiple sites in Wales and occasional travel elsewhere in the UK is required. Reasonable travel and accommodation expenses will be reimbursed according to policy.

Behavioral Competencies Evaluated

• Effective decision making
• Communication and influencing
• Delivering a quality service

Compensation and Benefits

The salary for this role is £46,750 per annum. Additional benefits include contributions to a defined benefit pension scheme, learning and development opportunities, health and wellbeing programs, cycle-to-work scheme, interest-free season ticket loans, volunteering opportunities, and access to lifestyle savings on various products and services.

Recruitment Process and Additional Information

The application requires a detailed personal statement illustrating essential experience and technical criteria with specific examples. Initial candidate screening focuses on communication skills and recent conciliation experience. Interviews include behavioral, strengths, and experience assessments, plus a presentation. Candidates passing the interview may be placed on a 12-month reserve list for similar roles.

Acas is committed to equal opportunities and provides reasonable adjustments for candidates with disabilities throughout the recruitment process.