The Manchester HR Conference, titled "Dismissal for HR: Shaping New Developments into Solution-Focused Answers for Employers," will convene on March 25, 2026, at The Lowry Hotel, offering human resources professionals essential guidance on navigating the intricate legal landscape of employee terminations. Chaired by Trinity Chambers barrister Helen Hogben, the conference aims to deliver practical, court-proven approaches to dismissal challenges that employers increasingly face in contemporary workplaces. Helen Hogben, an experienced employment and discrimination barrister with a national practice, will deliver the keynote address and lead discussions with a panel of legal experts, bringing her extensive experience to bear on these critical issues.
The conference agenda addresses nuanced challenges in modern employment law that require sophisticated legal understanding. Rebecca Peck of Bexley Beaumont will explore strategies for managing obstructive behavior when employees resist engagement, allege bullying, or take sick leave, providing actionable frameworks for HR professionals. Danielle Ingham from Mills & Reeve will provide guidance on handling inappropriate behavior between employees at off-site events, while Angela Brumpton of Gunnercooke will discuss accommodating undiagnosed neurodivergence when reasonable adjustments prove insufficient, addressing emerging areas of employment law.
Additional sessions will cover cultural misalignment with Mary Walker from Gordons addressing when to act on negative or disruptive employees who are poor cultural fits. Bryn Doyle of Lewis Silkin will offer insights on minimizing legal risks when addressing persistent absences related to mental health conditions. Naeema Choudry from Eversheds Sutherland will clarify complexities around 'suitable alternative employment' for employees on maternity leave during redundancy situations, providing clarity on this legally sensitive area.
Hogben's extensive experience in employment and discrimination law, including her appointment as Junior Counsel to the Crown in 2023, positions her to guide these complex discussions effectively. Her work on notable cases and commitment to professional development through seminars and webinars at https://helenhogben.com informs her approach to these challenging topics, ensuring the conference content reflects current legal standards and practical realities. The full-day conference includes lunch and offers five hours of Continuing Professional Development for delegates, providing HR professionals with both networking opportunities and practical knowledge to handle dismissals fairly and legally. Registration information is available through the https://www.trinitychambers.co.uk/barristers/helen-hogben/ website, where professionals can secure their participation in this comprehensive legal education event.
