Understanding trade unions and the new rights to speak to your workforce

About this event

Understand union recognition, collective bargaining and new union access rights with expert guidance from ACAS conciliators.

Many people professionals have limited experience of working with trade unions.

We understand that the upcoming changes in legislation around communicating the right to join a trade union and allowing trade unions to have access to your staff may therefore be causing some concern.

This event provides us all with the opportunity to hear directly from two of ACAS’s collective conciliators, Phil Osborne and Louise Ramsey.

They will share their knowledge and experience to help us all better understand:

● what is a trade union

● what is union recognition

● how does the recognition process work - voluntary v compulsory

● what is collective bargaining

● new rules about union access to workers and how to respond to requests

● how ACAS can support employers with collective conciliation

If your organisation has more than 20 employees and does not currently recognise a trade union then this event will help you handle contact with trade unions in a positive and productive way.

Phil Osborne – Acas Collective Conciliator

Experienced mediator and conciliator supporting parties towards better industrial relations.

He has worked alongside trade unions and employers in the workplace from recognition through to post dispute project work.

Previous roles have included managing the Individual Conciliation Team and the Helpline within Acas.

Prior to joining Acas, he has worked in private industry within the Retail, Manufacturing and Service Sectors.

Louise Ramsey – Acas Collective Conciliator

Louise has experience supporting parties through workplace disputes and facilitating post dispute projects. She focuses on facilitating constructive dialogue, helping build understanding, and enabling fair and sustainable outcomes. With a professional background in education and training, Louise maintains a particular interest in this sector.

Please note:

• This is a members only event.
• Participants will receive their joining details 24 hours before the webinar, along with a reminder one hour before the session begins.
• The session may be recorded and shared afterwards.
• The chat function will be used to engage with participants.
• If there is an external speaker, their views will be their own and may not necessarily reflect those of the CIPD.
• If any reasonable adjustments are required, participants are encouraged to make this known and assistance will be provided.