Employment Updates: What You Need to Know
Navigating Compliance and Supporting Your Workforce
Seminar Brief
Are you ready for two of the biggest legal changes set to impact schools? With significant reforms on the horizon, understanding these shifts now will help you navigate the changes smoothly and make informed decisions for your school. The Procurement Act 2023, coming into effect on 24 February 2025, and the Employment Rights Bill, described as bringing “generational” changes to employment law, will have a significant impact on procurement and workforce management in schools.
This practical and informative session ensures that school leaders understand these key changes, know what steps to take next and can adapt policies and processes with confidence.
IN THIS SEMINAR WE EXPLORE:
The key changes in procurement and employment law and what they mean for your school.
Practical strategies to ensure compliance while minimising risk.
Steps to refine procurement processes and employment policies with long-term sustainability in mind.
TAKE HOME POINTS:
This session will provide a clear roadmap to staying compliant while keeping operations efficient. You’ll gain practical insights into streamlining procurement, reducing legal exposure and ensuring workforce policies align with best practices. By acting now, you can prepare for these changes smoothly and avoid any costly last-minute adjustments.
THIS SESSION IS FOR SCHOOL BUSINESS LEADERS WHO:
Want to confidently navigate employment law changes, ensure compliance and support a thriving school workforce.
Gemma Duxbury and Laura McHugh
About the speakers:
Laura is a partner with over fifteen years of experience in employment law. Acting for clients in the education sector, Laura is a trusted advisor to many schools, trusts and colleges. Laura has expertise in handling complex discrimination and whistle-blowing employment tribunal claims. Laura is highly experienced in advising clients on multifaceted disciplinary and grievance issues, particularly those which involve safeguarding concerns. She regularly advises clients on student matters in addition to governance and public sector specific issues. Laura also has experience in undertaking complex and sensitive workplace investigations, having been appointed by education providers as an independent investigator.
Gemma is a partner in the governance, procurement and information team and has significant experience in both the private and public sector. Gemma started at Forbes as a senior associate in 2019, progressing to partner in 2022. Having begun her career in private practice and then working in-house for a local authority for 10 years, Gemma is a public sector and education expert with vast knowledge and experience in a range of areas. She regularly advises on public sector matters including procurement, governance, education, contracts and information law.