ETS were established as an executive agency in April 1997. They are part of a framework which exists to enable employment disputes to be resolved. Their role is to support the judiciary by carrying out administrative tasks necessary to enable applications to Employment Tribunals and appeals to the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT) to be determined. They manage the resources allocated by Ministers for this purpose. They deal with all paperwork and correspondence relating to cases and make practical arrangements for hearing and supporting tribunals during cases.