With weeks to go before new legal obligations are imposed on employers to take “reasonable steps” to prevent the sexual harassment of employees through the Worker Protection Act 2023, HR teams in Aberdeen are being urged to prepare for the changes.
In response, leading employment law specialists at Aberdein Considine will deliver a series of workshops to help businesses navigate the complexities of employee crisis management.
From allegations of criminal conduct and financial irregularities to embittered former employees hurling damaging parting shots, there are many things which can give HR professional sleepless nights.
High profile recent cases such as the arrest of erstwhile BBC stalwart Huw Edwards, the embezzlement of more than £1m by an Aberdeen City Council worker, and multiple claims of sexual misconduct at the CBI will have sent shockwaves through HR departments across the land.
In a series of expert-led workshops across Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow and online during September, employment lawyers from the award-winning Scottish law firm will offer practical insights and strategies to help HR professionals safeguard their employees, their company and its reputation in the face of a crisis.
Topics on the agenda include:
- Uncovering financial irregularities
- Handling alleged criminal conduct
- Managing parting shots from departing employees
- Implementing preventative steps to protect your business
The Aberdeen session, hosted at Aberdein Considine’s Blenheim House office, will be led by Nicola Gray, Partner and Amanda Paterson, Solicitor, who advise a range of clients on employment-related matters, including business restructures, settlement agreements and contract reviews.
They will workshop common pitfalls faced by staff managers and tackle the management of big challenges such as the discovery of financial irregularities and alleged criminal conduct, as well as exploring the steps businesses can take to protect themselves.
Case studies discussed during the workshops will include the recent embezzlement of more than £1m by an Aberdeen City Council worker and the use of NDAs to prevent staff from sharing their experiences of sexual misconduct and bullying at the CBI.
Nicola Gray, Partner, Aberdein Considine, said: “HR professionals are often the unsung heroes in times of crises, standing at the forefront of managing challenges that impact both employees and the organisation. Their role is critical in ensuring that legal and ethical standards are upheld, while fostering a supportive and resilient workplace.
"As legal professionals, we understand that navigating crises is not just about reacting to challenges, but proactively preparing for them. Through our workshops, we aim to empower HR professionals with the legal insights and practical tools needed to manage crises effectively. Our goal is to help them safeguard their organisations, support their teams, and ensure that, even in the most difficult times, they are equipped to lead with confidence and clarity.
“Each session will recognise the immense responsibility HR carries during these times, and we’re committed to providing the legal guidance needed to navigate these complex situations with confidence and care.”
The series of workshops will take place over the following dates:
- Online: Tuesday, September 24, 08:30
- Aberdeen: Wednesday, September 25, 08:30
- Glasgow: Wednesday, September 25, 08:30
- Edinburgh: Thursday, September 26, 08:30
Please note the format will be the same for each workshop so there is no need to register for more than one.
To register for a workshop, visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/aberdein-considine-7800331763.