Barrister Helen Hogben will chair the Manchester HR Conference titled "Dismissal for HR: Shaping New Developments into Solution-Focused Answers for Employers" on March 25, 2026 at The Lowry Hotel. The event aims to help human resources professionals navigate the complex legal landscape of employee terminations with court-proven strategies.
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 currently face in dismissal situations. "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."
The agenda includes sessions on managing obstructive employee behavior, with Rebecca Peck of Bexley Beaumont exploring strategies for progressing performance management 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, particularly at off-site events.
Neurodivergence in the workplace presents unique challenges, which Angela Brumpton of Gunnercooke will address, focusing on accommodating undiagnosed conditions when reasonable adjustments prove insufficient. Cultural misalignment represents another complex area, with Mary Walker from Gordons examining when to act on employees who are negative, disruptive, or poor cultural fits despite adequate performance.
Mental health considerations in dismissal processes will be covered by Bryn Doyle of Lewis Silkin, who will offer insights on minimizing legal risks when addressing persistent absences caused by underlying mental health conditions. Naeema Choudry from Eversheds Sutherland will clarify the complexities of "suitable alternative employment" for employees on maternity leave during redundancy situations, a particularly nuanced area of employment law.
Hogben's professional background, including her appointment as Junior Counsel to the Crown in 2023 and her experience with complex cases detailed in her notable cases, positions her to guide these critical discussions. Her commitment to professional development through seminars and webinars further establishes her credentials for chairing this forward-thinking event.
The full-day conference offers five hours of Continuing Professional Development for delegates and includes networking opportunities. For business leaders and HR professionals, this event represents a critical opportunity to develop legally sound dismissal practices that protect organizations while treating employees fairly. The practical focus on current challenges—from neurodiversity accommodations to maternity leave redundancies—provides immediately applicable knowledge for navigating today's complex employment landscape. Registration information is available through the White Paper Conference website.
