ACAS's functions and powers were changed in 1993 (by TURERA 1993, ss.43 and 44 which made appropriate amendments to TULRCA 1992) as follows:

(i) ACAS's general terms of reference were narrowed to stress involvement in settling disputes, to remove ACAS involvement in collective bargaining and in giving advice on employment policy and to lay less stress on the advisory side of ACAS's work by removing references to specific matters on which ACAS may give advice from TULRCA 1992, s.213.

(ii) With effect from 30th August, 1993 ACAS's services have not always been free of charge (TULRCA 1992, s.251A).

(iii) ACAS's chairman is no longer required to be full-time (TULRCA 1992, s.249(2)).

(iv) The concept of compromise agreements was introduced with effect from 30th August 1993. This has reduced the role played by ACAS conciliation officers in settling disputes as previously the only practical way to make a legally binding out of court settlement in many employment disputes was to involve a conciliation officer (see CONTRACTING OUT OF THE LEGISLATION/compromise agreements ).