Handle Acas talks yourself, with a plan

Early Conciliation Preparation Pack

Acas early conciliation is free and you can handle it yourself. The preparation pack helps you organise the dates, figures, first call, offers and settlement wording before the pressure of negotiation.

What the pack is designed to prevent

A first offer should not become the answer simply because you did not prepare a range of your own. The pack separates the legal process from the negotiation decision so you can record what you want, what you can evidence and where you would stop.

Deadline and certificate worksheet

Record the problem date, Acas notification date and certificate date, then identify which primary limit is likely to apply. The pack explains why the final date can be more complicated than adding a fixed number of months.

Claim valuation worksheets

Separate prompts cover unfair dismissal, notice, wages and discrimination so that earnings, mitigation, statutory awards, financial loss and injury to feelings are not collapsed into one guessed figure.

Calls, offers and COT3 terms

The pack includes a first-call checklist, an offer and counter-offer planner, and a COT3 checklist covering the claims being settled, payment, tax wording, references, confidentiality and deadlines.

When self-help is not enough

Get individual help where the deadline is uncertain, discrimination or whistleblowing is involved, the employer is represented, the wording is wide or you are being pressed to agree before you understand the effect.

Current official guidance

FAQs

01Is the preparation pack individual legal advice?
No. It is general information and structured worksheets. It does not assess the merits or value of an individual case.
02Can I use it after Acas has already contacted me?
Yes, provided terms have not already been agreed. The date and offer worksheets can still be used during the conciliation period.
03Does it cover Scotland?
The Acas process applies across England, Wales and Scotland. Northern Ireland uses a different industrial tribunal and Labour Relations Agency process and is not covered by this pack.
04Can I upgrade to representation?
Yes, subject to availability and a conflict check. We will confirm the scope and fee before taking over communication.
05How do I get the pack?
Start an enquiry. We will confirm current availability and delivery before taking payment.

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