Collective Disputes Manager

About this Role

The purpose of the role is to:

• Lead team to deliver a high performing collective dispute resolution function.
• Conciliate as required in high profile disputes, supporting the work of the head of Collective Dispute Resolution as needed.
• Act as a subject matter expert in collective dispute resolution, providing guidance and support to collective conciliators and others as needed.
• Support Strategy and External Affairs by providing expertise and helping promote Acas and its ‘voice’.
• Establish a personal programme of engagement with stakeholders, building trusted relationships which promote the collective dispute resolution services, and lead others to do the same.
• Collaborate with Advice and Business Solutions to ensure effective handovers between different elements of products and services including interventions at or near dispute, joint problem-solving work and charged-for services.
• Support the development, improvement and promotion of the Collective Dispute Resolution function, including the collective mediation and collective arbitration services.
• Support the development of standard operating procedures in line with the service strategy and as directed by the Head of Service and Director of Dispute Resolution.
• Be an ambassador for Acas and its collective dispute resolution function through engagement with a range of channels and opportunities, including conferences, talks and media, and lead teams to do the same.

The role holder's accountabilities will be:

• Collective conciliation (CC) in high profile disputes – Accountable for leading as the Acas collective conciliator in high profile, complex or national disputes or those which attract media coverage, sometimes in partnership with the Head of Service. Accountable for liaising with Acas media teams to ensure that the Acas brand is safeguarded through media attention.
• CC Case Management – Accountable for managing a team to effectively handle collective conciliation cases from apprehension and commencement to settlement, acting as a Subject Matter Expert to other collective conciliators to provide guidance and support on complex cases.
• Individual Conciliator (IC) Multiple Case Management – Accountable for ensuring all workplace collective disputes apprehended by IC Multiple action are actioned in compliance with current instructions.
• CC Case Recording – Accountable for ensuring full and accurate recording and reporting of CC case activity including case notes, case outcomes and case closures on the relevant case management system.
• Customer and stakeholder engagement – Accountable for ensuring a continuous programme of effective stakeholder engagement, both personally and for reporting teams, to support the apprehension of disputes and the promotion and development of the service.
• Service Promotion – Accountable, for the development of local, regional and national relationships with external partners in order to fulfil strategic ambitions.
• Subject matter expertise – Accountable for providing support to Strategy and External Affairs through subject matter expertise and help promote Acas and its ‘voice’.
• Collective Dispute Resolution Briefing – Accountable for preparing briefings, and content for briefings, to internal stakeholders including for use by the Head of Service, Director of Dispute Resolution, and colleagues in S and EA.
• Tailored Support -Solutions Identification – Accountable for ensuring customers receive the best possible practical support on employment related matters in collaboration with Advice and Business Solutions to ensure appropriate services are offered.
• Subject Matter Expertise Support – Accountable for providing subject matter expertise on collective dispute resolution to digital and workplace policy teams, and other internal colleagues as required.
• Service Development – Accountable for supporting service development and for leading on specific aspects, as agreed with the Head of Service and Director. This may include and is not limited to focus areas such as: CDR learning & development, CDR standard operating procedures, and CDR operational policy.
• You will lead the design and delivery of the team’s learning and development programme, identifying and engaging with appropriate training providers, and ensuring all learning solutions are tailored to meet the specific needs and priorities of the team.

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 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.

Further information

Attached documents, e.g. application form: Job Description document attached - candidates must apply through our website in order to be considered.