Mock Tribunal

29th Nov 2017

Date: Wednesday 29 November
Time: 8:30am - 12:00pm (arrival and refreshments from 8am)*
Venue: Ward Hadaway, Sandgate House, 102 Quayside, Newcastle
*Timings subject to change

Come and join us at this interactive event, led by specialist employment education lawyers, which will give you a flavour of what it’s actually like to be in an Employment Tribunal hearing – including the difficult issues you may face.

Why is this important?

Previously, claimants were required to pay fees of up to £1,200 to be entitled to bring an Employment Tribunal claim.  This put off a large number of potential claimants – who simply could not afford to pay the fees necessary to progress their claims.  This position changed in July 2017, when the Supreme Court concluded that the Tribunal fee system was unlawful and unconstitutional.

With immediate effect employees can now issue employment claims without having to pay any fees.  It is expected that this will result in a flurry of claims against schools and academies across the country.

For many school employees, the prospect of going to an Employment Tribunal to defend an employment claim is daunting.  Unless you've done it before, it's difficult to imagine what it's like to be examined and cross-examined, to present a case cogently, and provide evidence to a judge under oath.

Ward Hadaway’s expert team of employment lawyers will give you a taste of what it's actually like to be there. In a role-play scenario, Ward Hadaway will recreate the workings of a tribunal in a safe and non-critical environment in which attendees will view the Tribunal process in action, with the ability to raise questions and queries – as the evidence and the hearing process unfolds.

Attendees will come away from this seminar with an understanding the Tribunal process, including the procedure of giving evidence, cross-examination and re-examination.  They will also have the opportunity to discuss their perceptions of the evidence given and what they think the case outcome might be.

Who should attend?

Places at this event are expected to be in high demand so please book early to avoid disappointment. The event will likely be of specific interest to Headteachers and Chair of Governors - who would be required to attend an Employment Tribunal to give evidence and to defend the decisions they have taken.

Programme

8.00am – Arrival and breakfast
8.30am – Introduction
9.00am – Mock Tribunal, including evidence and cross examination of the Claimant and the School’s witnesses
11.00am – Deliberations and an audience vote – followed by the official judgment being handed down
11.30am – Networking, tea, coffee and a chance to ask any questions of the Ward Hadaway team
12.00pm – Close

The cost of attendance is £40+VAT, with the discounted rate of £25+VAT for SCHOOLS NorthEast Partner Schools. Places are strictly limited and allocated on a first-come-first-served basis. This event is open to school delegates only.

To book your place, please email info@schoolsnortheast.com.

This event is facilitated by specialist employment education lawyers from Ward Hadaway Law Firm