Would anyone recommend working for ACAS?

[user1464552773]

I'm desperately trying to think of options for returning to work after maternity leave which don't involve going back to my job as an employment solicitor and I'd thought about working as an ACAS conciliator as there would be some overlap in terms of skill set etc.

Can anyone give any insight into what it's like to work for ACAS and whether I'm hopelessly misguided to think they might recruit an ex solicitor? I suppose they might not even be recruiting at all.

If you have any other ideas about what might be a logical career change, please let me know. I just can't stay in my current role without feeling like a small piece of my integrity dies every day, and the levels of stress are not improving my mental health. Normal amounts of pressure I'm fine with.

Thank you!

www.glassdoor.co.uk/Reviews/Acas-Reviews-E620561.htm

Have you looked for in-house roles? (I know you've said not a solicitor but thought it was worth asking?)

I've never been impressed by ACAS when doing COT3s, they just seem paper pushers. Not sure how much job satisfaction there would be.

I have thought about in house. I've not had great training/experience where I qualified (and a large dose of imposter syndrome) and to be honest the thought of being on my own in a company isn't something I relish. I hear what you are saying though, just had hoped there would be a good deal of active conciliation that I think I'd enjoy.

Agree with @CheshireSplat, from my experience of them you’d be the most competent person there. 🙄

I haven’t worked for them but have worked with them on many occasion and fail to see what the conciliatory roles actually entail. Most recently it was a 5 minute conversation where I declined to settle a failed probation dismissal for £430,000. 15 minutes after I declined this I got the certificate through.

Equally from the other side when dealing with a potential claim from the claimants side all I can see that they have done is ask for an extension to the conciliation period without taking any action to reach a solution, as the respondent was ‘very busy’.

So not sure you should hold your breath for active conciliation!