Experience

I joined the Employment Department of Bates Wells in 1999.  Before that I was a barrister and a firm that did a lot of advocacy in-house was very appealing to me.  I have often advocated in the employment tribunals and Employment Appeal Tribunal.

 

Highlights
  • I carried out an independent investigation for a theatre company which had received allegations of a #MeToo kind against its Artistic Director. I interviewed all of the relevant witnesses and prepared a detailed report for the Board, with conclusions about whether any inappropriate and/or unlawful conduct had taken place. This involved advising on issues about how historic allegations should be treated.
  • I acted for a US based charity removing its Chief Executive who was employed in the UK but was working in Africa. The advice involved questions of jurisdiction, and detailed consideration of reputation management for the charity. The Chief Executive made allegations that he was a whistle-blower and the “disclosures” that he had made needed to be dealt with. Terms for his departure were successfully negotiated and agreed and there was no negative publicity for the charity.
  • I advised a college associated with a charity on various allegations made by and against senior post holders, including allegations of race discrimination and bullying. The charity needed to make a Serious Incident Report to the Charity Commission, which I drafted for them. The post holders in question have now left the college without any compensation and with no claims being brought.
  • I advise employers about the employment law issues arising from an increased use of homeworking/flexible working
  • I have defended numerous disability discrimination/reasonable adjustments tribunal claims
  • I advise on issues arising out of the misuse of social networking media (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn etc.) by employees both in and out of the workplace
  • I advise on implications of the Equality Act, both for employers and service providers
  • I give advice to employers on large scales redundancy exercises including collective consultation and engagement with trade unions
  • I negotiate settlement agreements on behalf of both employers and employees