This practice note considers the steps that will be followed when the Central Arbitration Committee (CAC) orders that a ballot be held to assess the level of union support in a bargaining unit. A ballot may be ordered either in the case of a union applying for statutory recognition under Schedule A1 of the Trade Union and Labour Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992 (TULRCA) or when an employer or worker applies to end the bargaining arrangements. The note also summarises the provisions of the Code of Practice: Access and Unfair Practices during Recognition and Derecognition Ballots.