The Manchester HR Conference, titled "Dismissal for HR: Shaping New Developments into Solution-Focused Answers for Employers," will take place on 25 March 2026 at The Lowry Hotel. Chaired by Trinity Chambers barrister Helen Hogben, the event aims to help HR professionals navigate the complex legal landscape of employee terminations with practical, court-proven solutions.
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. The conference will address some of the most challenging issues employers face today, with Hogben's extensive experience ensuring discussions are both insightful and practical for attendees.
"I am delighted to chair this important conference," Hogben stated. "The world of HR is constantly evolving, and it is crucial for employers to stay informed on the latest legal developments and best practices. This event will provide a valuable platform for HR professionals to gain practical, solution-focused answers to some of the most challenging dismissal questions they face."
The conference agenda includes sessions on multiple difficult employment law topics. Rebecca Peck of Bexley Beaumont will explore strategies for managing obstructive behavior when employees resist engagement, allege bullying, or take sick leave. Danielle Ingham from Mills & Reeve will provide guidance on handling "word-against-word" scenarios involving inappropriate behavior between employees at off-site events.
Angela Brumpton of Gunnercooke will discuss the challenges of accommodating undiagnosed neurodivergence in the workplace, particularly when reasonable adjustments fail to yield required improvements. Mary Walker from Gordons will address cultural misalignment issues, examining when to act on employees who are negative, disruptive, or poor cultural fits despite not objectively underperforming.
Bryn Doyle of Lewis Silkin will offer insights on minimizing legal risks when addressing persistent absences caused by underlying mental health conditions. Naeema Choudry from Eversheds Sutherland will clarify complexities surrounding "suitable alternative employment" for employees on maternity leave during redundancy situations.
Helen Hogben's professional background includes being appointed Junior Counsel to the Crown in 2023 and maintaining a leading Junior listing in the Legal 500 for seven consecutive years. Her experience with complex cases, detailed in her notable cases, and commitment to professional development through seminars and webinars position her as an ideal chair for this conference.
The full-day event includes lunch and offers five hours of Continuing Professional Development for delegates. For registration information, interested professionals can visit the White Paper Conference website. The conference represents a significant opportunity for HR professionals to enhance their understanding of dismissal procedures while networking with peers and legal experts in the field.
