Acas in the first instance, rather than the Tribunals Service. Acas will then have a short window of opportunity (up to a month) to try to help to resolve the issue before the claimant can apply to a tribunal. Structure Although Acas is largely funded by the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, it is a non-departmental public body, governed by an independent council that is responsible for determining Acas's strategic direction, policies and priorities, and ensuring that its statutory duties are carried out effectively. This allows Acas to be independent, impartial and confidential. The council consists of a chair and eleven members, some representing employers and trade unions and others independent, all appointed by the Secretary of State for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy. Acas's current chair is Clare Chapman who replaced Sir Brendan Barber in 2020. Acas's day-to-day operations are managed by its chief executive and a management board that includes its national and regional directors. Acas's current chief executive, Susan Clews, was appointed in November 2018, replacing Anne Sharp, who had been in the post since 2013. Acas has around 800 staff, based in its London head office and 11 main regional centres across England, Scotland and Wales. Acas's chief conciliator is David Prince. List of chairs 1974: Jim Mortimer ?: Professor Sir John C. Wood 1981: Pat Lowry 1987: Douglas Smith 1993: John Hougham CBE 2000: Rita Donaghy 2007: Ed Sweeney 2014: Brendan Barber 2020: Clare Chapman References External links Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy Labour relations in the United Kingdom Non-departmental public bodies of the United Kingdom government Organisations based in the London Borough of Camden