Barrister Helen Hogben, a leading employment and discrimination law expert at Trinity Chambers, will chair the upcoming Manchester HR Conference, "Dismissal for HR: Shaping New Developments into Solution-Focused Answers for Employers," on 25 March 2026 at The Lowry Hotel. The conference aims to equip HR professionals with practical, court-proven strategies for handling difficult staff terminations in an evolving legal landscape.
Hogben, who was appointed Junior Counsel to the Crown in 2023 and has been listed as a leading Junior in the Legal 500 for the past seven years, will open the event with a keynote address. She will then lead a series of presentations and discussions with a panel of legal experts, addressing some of the most challenging issues in employment law today. Her extensive experience in employment and discrimination law positions her uniquely to guide these conversations.
The conference agenda covers a range of nuanced topics. Rebecca Peck of Bexley Beaumont will explore strategies for managing obstructive employee behavior, such as when employees resist engagement or allege bullying. Danielle Ingham from Mills & Reeve will address "word-against-word" scenarios involving inappropriate behavior at off-site events. Angela Brumpton of Gunnercooke will discuss challenges related to neurodivergence in the workplace, particularly when reasonable adjustments fail to yield improvements. Mary Walker from Gordons will tackle cultural misalignment and difficult employees, while Bryn Doyle of Lewis Silkin will offer insights on minimizing legal risks regarding mental health and absenteeism. Naeema Choudry from Eversheds Sutherland will clarify complexities around redundancy and maternity leave.
Hogben's own journey to the Bar, as the first in her family to attend university, underscores her commitment to excellence and diversity. Her appointment as Junior Counsel to the Crown and her work on notable cases demonstrate her expertise. She also provides ongoing professional development through seminars and webinars.
The full-day event includes lunch and offers five hours of CPD for delegates, providing an invaluable opportunity for HR professionals to network and learn. Further details and booking are available on the White Paper Conference website.
