Dan has worked in high street retail and retail banking before making a switch to the public sector and joining ACAS in 2008. After 3 years of working on the advice line and in conciliation, Dan joined the Vehicle & Operator Services Agency (VOSA) which later became the Driver & Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA).
Currently working as the Head of Employee Relations & Reward, Dan has over 10 years’ experience working as the lead contact in a highly unionized environment, managing the relationship with 2 major trade unions through numerous significant events.
Among other things, Dan has developed and negotiated framework agreements, implemented reforms to trade union facility time usage, negotiated contractual changes to terms and conditions, and helped the business implement transformation projects that have had huge impacts on working practices. Working in the Civil Service means change is a constant, and often political agendas can cause conflict between unions and employers.
Dan has seen his fair share of industrial action, often played out in the public eye, but also has a wealth of experience in resolving disputes before they escalate to that level. His philosophy for employee relations is to treat trade unions as stakeholders, respect their views and opinions, and recognize the value that they can bring to an organization. At the same time, he is very clear on the boundaries of their influence and the needs of the business.
Maintaining a healthy balance is key to being a successful negotiator, and gaining the respect of your trade union representatives.