Employment Law Masterclass - Wednesday 19 November 2025 (Online)

This course is for: Experienced Heads and Senior Leaders who already have a solid understanding of the fundamentals of employment law and are looking to deepen their knowledge of more complex, real-world staffing challenges. It’s ideal for those in leadership roles who are responsible for managing staff and employment-related decisions — and who want to stay informed, confident, and proactive in navigating nuanced legal issues in schools.

Description

What will you gain by attending? 

 

  • Practical insight into complex employment law issues  

  • Confidence in handling sensitive staffing situations, such as harassment, long-term illness, changing contracts, and controversial staff conduct.  

  • Clarity on evolving legal expectations, including new government legislation and what it means for your school.  

  • Real-world strategies through interactive case studies that reflect challenges you’re likely to face as a school leader.Discuss current financial challenges facing independent schools 

  • Tools to make informed decisions — and to know when to seek specialist advice before issues escalate. 

  •  

Course Programme 

 

Time 

Session 

09.30  

Welcome and introductions 

 

Session 1: Setting Boundaries and Managing Conduct 

 

  • The ‘Boundaries of Banter’ – the evolving rules as to what is now acceptable (and unacceptable) language in the workplace 

 

  • Harassment – the employer’s (new) duties 

 

  • Expressing controversial views – a valid reason for disciplining/dismissing staff? 

 

 

Session 2: Contracts, Changes & Compliance 

 

  • Changing Contracts – Do you have discretion to change staff’s duties? 

 

  • Contracts and notice – What if staff leave without giving proper notice? 

 

  • Redundancies – avoiding pitfalls when addressing the prospect of reducing staff numbers 

 

 

Break 

 

Session 3: Managing Health, Absence & Disability 

 

  • How to address long-term illness – and disability 

 

  • Understanding obligations and best practices for supporting staff while managing operational needs 

 

 

Session 4: Legal Liability & Legislative Update 

 

  • Liability for accidents in school sports and school trips 

 

  • A detailed review of the Labour Government’s plans – and the major Employment Rights Bill 

 

12.30 

Close