ACAS Early Conciliation Letter Template & Generator

If you need to written summary of position for ACAS early conciliation process, a written letter is the recommended first step — it creates a clear record and shows you're pursuing the matter formally. Below is what a strong acas early conciliation letter should include, plus a free tool to generate yours.

What this letter needs to cover

• Set out the key facts chronologically
• State the legal basis of the claim
• Set out the desired resolution
• Note this is a without prejudice communication for conciliation purposes

Why ACAS early conciliation is a required step

Before you can lodge most Employment Tribunal claims, you must first contact ACAS for early conciliation — this is a mandatory step, not an optional one, and a tribunal will generally reject a claim submitted without it (except in specific limited circumstances). Early conciliation gives both sides a genuine opportunity to resolve the matter without a formal hearing.

What a written summary of your position should cover

• A clear, factual summary of what happened and the legal basis of your complaint
• Key dates — when the issue arose, and your employment start and end dates if relevant
• What outcome you're seeking — compensation, reinstatement, or another remedy
• Any deadline pressure — for example, if your 3-month tribunal time limit is approaching

Why the process matters for your time limit

Starting ACAS early conciliation actually pauses your tribunal time limit clock for the duration of the process — this is a valuable protection, but it's worth understanding how the specific extension works so you don't miss your ultimate deadline once conciliation ends.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does early conciliation mean I definitely won't go to tribunal?
No — it's an opportunity to settle, but if it's unsuccessful, you'll receive a certificate allowing you to proceed to a tribunal claim.

Do I need a solicitor for early conciliation?
Not necessarily — many people handle this stage themselves, though advice can help if your situation is complex or high-value.

See our full letter template & generator library for related letters, or use our free checkers for guidance specific to your situation.