Our latest Consortium Collaborate HR networking session brought HR leaders and people professionals together for a timely and insightful discussion on the changing employment landscape. The session was organised by Dawn Parker, Director and HR Recruitment Specialist, and formed part of an ongoing quarterly programme of topical forums designed to help businesses stay ahead of key developments on the HR agenda.
We were delighted to welcome Caroline Neadley, Partner at Wilkin Chapman Rollits, as our guest speaker. Caroline delivered an engaging and highly practical overview of the forthcoming Employment Rights Bill, cutting through the complexity to explain what employers need to know and how they can begin preparing now.
As the Employment Rights Bill moves through the final stages of the parliamentary process, HR teams are under pressure to understand what’s changing, when, and how to prepare.
Caroline provided a clear, structured overview of:
· The key reforms contained within the Bill
· The anticipated implementation timetable
· Policy updates, contract changes and new HR processes
The focus throughout was on real world application and the impact on day-to-day workforce management, employee relations and HR strategy.
Spotlight on probation and proactive planning
In response to topics requested by attendees, the session took a closer look at probationary periods and proactive planning. With tighter employment protections on the horizon, probationary periods are firmly in focus. The discussion explored how to manage probation fairly and consistently, the importance of setting clear expectations and maintaining accurate documentation, and what good practice looks like when a probation period does not work out. Attendees gained greater confidence in how to ensure their processes are both people focused and legally robust.
Looking ahead, Caroline outlined the importance of proactive preparation. This includes reviewing existing contracts, handbooks and HR policies, identifying areas of potential risk, planning training for line managers and building realistic internal timelines aligned with the phased introduction of the Employment Rights Bill.
An informal, interactive forum
True to the ethos of the Consortium Collaborate HR Forum, the session was informal, interactive and discussion led. Attendees were encouraged to share experiences and challenges, and sense check their own plans against emerging best practice. The quality of discussion reflected the scale and significance of the changes ahead for HR teams across all sectors.
What the attendees said
Feedback from attendees was extremely positive, with many commenting on how informative and valuable the session was, and praising the clarity and practical insight provided. This feedback reinforces the value of creating space for expert guidance and peer learning at a time of significant legislative change.
Next up
The next Consortium Collaborate HR Forum will take place on Wednesday 4 March and will focus on neurodiversity in the workplace. To register your interest in upcoming Consortium Collaborate HR sessions, please contact Dawn Parker at dawn@cprec.co.uk.
