Acas is impartial. A conciliator can explain the process and carry offers, but cannot represent either side, advise whether to accept or assess how strong the case is. ProHearings can support you in preparing and presenting your position while you keep the tribunal deadline under review.
Acas early conciliation can run for up to 12 weeks. For problems before 1 October 2026, most tribunal claims use the existing 3 months less one day limit. For problems on or after that date, most claim limits rise to 6 months. Acas changes the final calculation, so the notification date and certificate date must be checked carefully.
We help you review the core facts and documents, identify the claims being discussed, and prepare a reasoned settlement position. Where you authorise us to deal with the conciliator, we keep you updated on each offer so you can decide whether to accept, counter or continue.
A useful settlement range should be built from the claim type, earnings, financial loss, mitigation, evidence and litigation risk. Unfair dismissal, wages, discrimination and whistleblowing claims are not valued in the same way.
If terms are agreed through Acas, they are recorded in a COT3. Acas states that the agreement is legally binding and can bind the parties once terms are agreed, even before the document is signed. The claims and obligations covered must therefore be understood before agreement.
Acas issues a certificate containing the number needed for the ET1. We set out the remaining deadline, the state of the evidence and the options for the next step, so you can decide how to proceed. Acas conciliation can continue after proceedings begin and until judgment.
No. Acas confirms that a representative does not have to be a solicitor and that the conciliator can deal directly with the appointed representative.
Yes. Acas is designed to be accessible without a representative. Representation is most useful where value, wording, evidence, communication or deadline risk needs structured support.
Only with clear authority. Acas warns that an agreement reached by a representative can be legally binding, so ProHearings will confirm your instructions before accepting terms.
Acas will issue the certificate. Refusal does not decide the merits, but the ET1 deadline still has to be protected.
No. Either side can stop conciliation and no outcome is guaranteed.