Post Graduate Certificate in NI Employment Law and Practice

Programme

Testimonials

"I would highly recommend the PG certificate in employment law and practice to anyone who would like to further their career in employment law. The course is taught by leading practitioners who are experts in their field. It really was an invaluable opportunity to learn from the best. I welcomed the opportunity to ask questions of them and they were extremely generous with their time meaning that we the students took away so much. The practical learning such as the mock tribunal was a particularly useful and unique opportunity which was chaired by none other than the President of the Tribunal herself. The resources provided by the UU, the LRA and Legal Island were outstanding. The tutor was so welcoming and approachable to everyone from day one, despite our varied backgrounds and levels of experience. This made learning very relaxed and enjoyable.

Since taking the course I have taken great strides in my career and have even found myself on the "red dot" of Ted X Stormont giving a talk. The skills and confidence that this course has given me have been an asset. I have no doubt that the PG certificate was an essential building block on my career journey and am very glad I took the course."
Laura Banks, Solicitor at Northern Ireland Human Rights Commission

"A solid foundational course exploring all aspects of the topic in a practical fashion, with real life examples and application."
Derek Weir, Head of Legal Services and Employee Relations, Queen's University Belfast

"An outstanding course in every aspect, taught by a wealth of subject matter experts in every field of employment law."
Michelle Connolly, Student, Ulster University (2019 QUB Graduate).

"The information has been very practical. From day one I have been able to put the learnings from the lectures into my working life. Great for linking and networking with other professionals and has provided me with a great grasp of Northern Ireland employment law."
Jillian Miskelly, People Partner NI, Depaul

"An excellent course – a must for any HR Professional. Comprehensive cover of all key employment law matters."
Joanne Doherty, People Partner, Ulster University

"This course builds my confidence when I make decisions in my role. I feel like the course has given me the tools to know the right response or at least I know where to look for the answer. I have also felt creatively inspired throughout this course – thank you!"
Maya Leonard, Senior Manager, People Solutions, Concentrix

"Very useful, practical course for any HR professional trying to navigate Northern Irish employment law. Highly recommend."
Kathryn McKinney, HR Officer, WD Meats

"The kids out there want something they can relate to, something that's real – this course is it"
Jack Morgan, Student Clinician, Ulster Law Clinic

“Excellent. The course brought together all areas of Employment legislation into one qualification. Every speaker was expert in the topic they were presenting and very enthusiastic regarding subject. Very worthwhile.”
Laura Banks, Solicitor, Francis Hanna & Co Solicitors

"This is easily the most comprehensive, pragmatic and worthwhile course currently on offer.  It brings together the 'best of the best' practitioners in the jurisdiction and affords students an unparalleled opportunity to blend academic excellence with commercial experience and application.  We are and have been delighted to support this initiative."
Gareth Walls, Partner, A&L Goodbody (Guest lecturer)

“This course is a truly unique post graduate course with a focus on skills and capacity building finely balanced with applied learning, real life context and expert practitioner input. This inspired blend makes for a learning experience like no other currently offered, it is truly a tailored added value product that everyone has been crying out for.”
Mark McAllister, Senior Employment Relations Officer, Labour Relations Agency (Guest lecturer)

"This course boasts an outstanding range of practising lawyers, who are leaders in their respective fields.  As such, this course gives students access to practical, first-hand knowledge of legal principles and unprecedented practical insight."
Laura Gillespie, Partner, Pinsent Masons (Guest lecturer)

“Very relevant, up to date and thought provoking”
Damian Rushe, Employment Relations Officer, LRA

“Useful and practical information which allows for interrogation and debate on current issues and problems relevant to me. I found the Recruitment and Selection sessions most valuable as it uses real life adverts, with relevant case law and very practical, logical ways to overcome potential problems.”
Dylan Loughlin, Employment Law Consultant, MCL Employment Law

“It is a very interesting course and the focus on practical aspects is very good.”
Nuala McMahon, Student, Ulster University

 “I thoroughly enjoyed the ADR sessions as they were very informative and interactive. The course was informative and useful in applying theory into practice”
Paula Breen, Student, Ulster University

“If Carlsberg did courses, you would want to pick this one!”
Philippa Herra, Student at Ulster University

“Very practical course that ensures it can be used day today. Builds confidence in the application of legislation.”
Marie Matthewson, Head of HR, CCEA

“The course has only increased my understanding of employment law and made me more employable for the future.”
Callum McMahon

“Builds confidence and knowledge to use in the work environment. Able to share knowledge with colleagues”
Laura McGovern, Senior Employment Advisor, BMA

“Great course, very practically based with lectures delivered by key players in the employment field.”
Mollie Simpson, Barrister

“Great course, practical and informative with lots of useful resources that are invaluable.”
Martin Garry, Section Lead Resourcing, Ulster University

“Very engaging and practical course, the range of practitioners in employment law was excellent. Highly recommend!”
Siobhan Fitzsimmons, AHRBP, Queen’s University Belfast

“As a HR professional this course was a fantastic source of support and information. Definitely recommend.”
Noeleen Farnan, Owner, Business Primis

Presenters

• 

  Avril Alexander Employment Relations Manager

  Labour Relations Agency

  Avril Alexander has worked for the Labour Relations Agency for over 30 years, including 5 years in the Helpline, where she answered queries on employment law and 8 years working as a Conciliation Officer, helping parties resolve employment tribunal claims. Avril is currently working as an Employment Relations Manager in the Conciliation and Arbitration Department where she manages a team of conciliators.  She is a member of the CIPD and is a qualified and experienced mediator.

• 

  Anna Beggan Partner

  Tughans

  Anna joined Tughans as a Partner in June 2006 to head up the Employment Team and has grown and developed the team to now be one of the largest and most highly regarded in Northern Ireland.

• 

  Adam Brett Partner

  Lewis Silkin NI LLP

  Adam Brett is a Partner in Lewis Silkin NI LLP. For many years Adam jointly headed the litigation department of a major Belfast Commercial Practice, and for the last 20 years he has concentrated increasingly on employment and discrimination matters. Adam has throughout his career advised a wide range of educational and charitable bodies, including Schools, Universities, Colleges, and other educational institutions in relation to employment, student and other concerns.

   

• 

  Adrienne Brock Partner

  Elliott Duffy Garrett

  Adrienne is a Partner in EDG and the Head of the Employment Law Unit. After graduating from Queen's University, Belfast with an LLB (Hons), Adrienne was admitted as a solicitor in Northern Ireland in 1986.

  Adrienne provides advice and representation in relation to employment law issues, mainly to employer clients, across a wide range of sectors including private, voluntary public and regulated sectors. This includes, in summary, advising in relation to the management of employment and employment related issues from recruitment/selection/appointment to termination of employment, including contracts of employment, policies and procedures, conduct of grievance, harassment and disciplinary procedures, dismissals and compromise agreements.

• 

  Lisa Bryson Partner

  Eversheds Sutherland

  Lisa is a partner in the employment and immigration team of Eversheds Sutherland.  Lisa trained and qualified with Eversheds LLP (as was then) in Nottingham and London before moving back ‘home’ in 2009.  She has led the employment and immigration practice in Northern Ireland since re-joining the firm in 2017.

  Lisa has considerable experience of providing contentious and non-contentious employment law advice to private and public sector clients.   She specialises in restructuring and TUPE work, major change programmes, executive matters and severances and Industrial and Fair Employment Tribunal litigation.  Lisa is an experienced Tribunal advocate and has appeared in numerous hearings both in Northern Ireland and England.  Lisa advises clients across a broad range of sectors with a particular interest in the financial and professional services, retail, media and telecommunications, transport and logistics and manufacturing sectors.

• 

  Fiona Cassidy Consultant

  Lewis Silkin NI LLP

  Fiona has had extensive involvement in advisory work and litigation both in private practice in the Fair Employment Commission.  As the Solicitor and Secretary to the Commission, Fiona was responsible for management and administrative matters.  She therefore has a wealth of practical experience of dealing with public administration and management.  Fiona has been described in the Chambers UK legal directory as a “leader in the field” of employment law and as “an expert in human rights and anti-discrimination law, as exemplified by her involvement in the drafting of Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act.

• 

  Patricia Coulter Knowledge Manager

  Labour Relations Agency

  Patricia Coulter is a Chartered Member of CIPD and has worked with the Labour Relations Agency for almost 30 years, having begun her career in HR Management in the Shipbuilding & Railway Industries. She is currently in the Role of Knowledge Manager and has extensive experience in advising on Employment Law matters and in delivering training on a wide variety of employment law topics. During her time in the Labour Relations Agency Patricia has also managed the Conciliation Service, including overseeing the introduction of Early conciliation, has conciliated on collective disputes, delivered facilitations and as a qualified workplace mediator has facilitated both group and individual mediations.  

• 

  Ciara Fulton Partner, Head of Office

  Lewis Silkin LLP

  Ciara Fulton is partner and Head of Lewis Silkin (NI) LLP.

  Ciara is dual qualified and advises on all aspects of employment law in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. She has significant experience of advising clients on the full range of employment issues including complex discrimination issues, bullying and harassment claims, disciplinary and grievance matters, business reorganisations, senior executive severances, restrictive covenants, employment related litigation and TUPE.

  Ciara’s approach is to partner with clients providing practical, commercial advice to resolve HR issues whether contentious or non-contentious. Ciara works with a variety of sectors with particular experience in the construction and infrastructure sector.

  Ciara regularly speaks on a range of employment issues at internal and external events and delivers bespoke training to clients on the differences between NI and ROI employment law. Ciara is a member of the Employment Lawyers Group and the NI Representative for the Employment Lawyers Association. Ciara is also a legally qualified member of the Appeals Tribunals NI.

• 

  Joanne Lightburn Senior Associate Solicitor

  Lewis Silkin NI LLP

  Joanne is dual qualified and advises on all aspects of employment law in Northern Ireland as well as Great Britain (GB), having practised for 9 years at a large leading commercial law firm in Leeds, West Yorkshire.

  Joanne has extensive experience in Employment Tribunal litigation, specialising in complex discrimination and whistleblowing claims. She also specialises in providing strategic advice to public and private sector clients on non-contentious matters such as TUPE negotiations and large-scale business reorganisations, often involving collective redundancy programmes. In addition, she provides practical advice on day-to-day HR matters as well as complex disciplinary and grievance issues.  She also advises on aspects of public administrative law.

• 

  Paul Gillen Partner

  Lewis Silkin LLP

  Paul is a partner in Lewis Silkin’s Employment, Immigration and Reward division based in Belfast. He is qualified in England & Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. He provides cross jurisdiction and comparative law advice to clients throughout the UK and Ireland. Paul advises clients on contentious and non-contentious matters, including HR support, mergers & acquisitions, restructuring, executive management, performance management, TUPE, outsourcing, discrimination law, and a full range of employment litigation.

  Prior to training as a lawyer Paul had more than a decade of experience working in in-house HR roles, including being Head of HR, across sectors covering retail, construction, manufacturing and logistics.

  Paul is a Band 1 ranked Employment Partner in Northern Ireland, Chambers noting my ‘wealth of experience assisting clients with a broad range of employment matters including TUPE and post-acquisition restructuring, in addition to day-to-day HR support.’

• 

  Laura Gillespie Partner

  Pinsent Masons

  Laura Gillespie is a Partner in the Pinsent Masons Litigation & Regulatory team and heads the Regulatory Compliance team in Northern Ireland, with a particular specialism in data protection and cyber security.  Laura supports clients in managing data protection compliance, including DSARS, policies and international transfers as well as contentious issues such as cyber breaches and compensation claims.  

• 

  Mary Kitson Senior Legal Officer

  Equality Commission for Northern Ireland

  Mary Kitson is employed by the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland as a Senior Legal Officer.  Mary qualified as a solicitor in 1992 and after 1 year working in a commercial law firm joined the Fair Employment Commission in 1993.

  Mary commenced employment with the Equality Commission in 1999.  Her role involves providing advice and assistance to people who believe that they have been subjected to unlawful discrimination and to help the Commission choose appropriate cases to support.

• 

  Jennifer Knape Lecturer in Clinical Legal Education

  Ulster University

  Jennifer has over nineteen years’ experience in employee relations. She is a registered nurse, practising barrister and a ADR Group civil and commercial mediator. She has a background in criminal defence and prosecution, civil, professional disciplinary and regulatory and employment law. Jennifer is a part-time lecturer and a case supervisor in the Ulster Law Clinic.

• 

  Rosemary Lundy Partner

  Arthur Cox

  Rosemary Lundy is a partner in the Employment Law Group of the Arthur Cox Belfast Office in Northern Ireland. Rosemary has extensive experience in all aspects of employment law, with a particular specialism in equality, having worked as in house legal adviser with the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland before joining Arthur Cox.

  Rosemary contributes to Legal Island’s “First Tuesday” email service and regularly writes articles for a variety of publications.

• 

  Mark McAllister Director of Employment Relations Services

  Labour Relations Agency

  Mark McAllister is Director of Employment Relations Services with the LRA and part-time lecturer in Law. He specialises in employment law, dispute prevention and strategic collaborative working in industrial and employment relations. Mark is the former Northern Ireland Convenor of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, and the Chair of the NI ICSA Governance Institute. He is an accredited mediator,  a member of the Employment Lawyers’ Group and the Industrial Law Society and is a regular speaker on the employment law circuit and contributor to employment law publications.

• 

  Patrick McAuley Employment Relations Manager

  Labour Relations Agency

  With previous experience working in a variety of HR and Organisation Development roles in both the public and private sectors, Patrick joined the Labour Relations Agency in 2011.  Initially employed as a Conciliation Officer, he is currently employed as an Employment Relations Manager with responsibility for the Agency’s regional office, working in both Conciliation and Advisory services.  Patrick is a Chartered Member of the CIPD, a PRINCE2 Practitioner and a qualified workplace mediator.

• 

  Seamus McGranaghan Director - Commercial

  O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors

  Seamus McGranaghan qualified as a Solicitor in O'Reilly Stewart Solicitors in 2003 and is an experienced Commercial Lawyer dealing with employment, commercial and education cases.

  He has experience in the Industrial Tribunal representing both Claimants and Respondents and has provided seminars in relation to particular areas of employment law. Seamus is the only member of the Education and Law Association in Northern Ireland. He specialises in advising schools and colleges on policy matters, employment issues and student welfare. He is also responsible for the Education Law Quarterly Review.

• 

  Orlagh O'Neill Partner

  Carson McDowell

  Orlagh O'Neill is a Partner and Head of the Employment Team at Carson McDowell Solicitors in Belfast. She advises mainly employer clients on a wide range of employment issues and acts for some of Northern Ireland's largest employers. Her education clients include universities, regional colleges and a number of voluntary grammars. This year Chambers and Partners Guide to the Legal Profession ranked Orlagh as Band One for Education. She is a committee member and Chair of the Employment Lawyers Group of Northern Ireland, a member of both the UK and Irish Employment Law Groups (ELA and ELAI) and a regular speaker at annual employment law update conferences.

• 

  Rachel Penny Partner

  Carson McDowell

  Rachel is a Partner in the firm's Employment Team. She is a graduate of Cambridge University and completed her Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in York.

  Rachel's experience straddles both contentious and non-contentious employment law for a wide range and size of clients. Rachel has particular expertise in advising on TUPE and other employment matters in corporate transactions and mergers, including public sector reorganisations. 

• 

  Patricia Rooney Partner

  Tughans

  Patricia is a Director in the Employment Department and has extensive experience advising on contentious and non-contentious employment issues and pension matters.

  She drafts and advises on Service Agreements, restrictive covenants and their enforceability; TUPE and Service Provision Change issues and regularly represents clients at the Employment Tribunal and Courts in Northern Ireland.

  Patricia is described “knowledgeable, unflappable and pragmatic” as well as “very experienced and very detailed.”  Chambers UK 2018

  “Extremely knowledgeable and competent” and “provides timely and high-quality advice.” Chambers UK 2017

• 

  Gareth Walls Partner

  A&L Goodbody

  Gareth Walls is partner and Head of the A&L Goodbody's Employment and Incentives group in Belfast. Gareth represents a number of local, national and international brands in business support, strategic workforce planning and high profile tribunal matters. He also has significant experience in corporate immigration, redundancy, re-structuring and TUPE issues. Gareth is an accomplished commercial litigator with particular emphasis on procurement challenges and injunctive relief in the Employment context, as well as being a sought after speaker on Employment issues in Northern Ireland.

• 

  Kiera Lee Partner

  Mills Selig

  Kiera has 19 years’ experience in employment law acting mainly for employers in contentious and non-contentious matters. Her client list includes leading NI Companies and large employers (up to 2,000 employees).

  Kiera’s experience covers day to day HR problems and complex restructuring issues. She has given advice on a restructure and redundancy programme involving more than 800 employees and defended multi claimant tribunal claims for unfair dismissal arising from TUPE transfers.

  She also assists with strategic decisions, successfully managing the exit of senior executives and any contentious issues with restrictive covenants.  

• 

  Leeanne Armstrong Legal Director

  TLT

  Leeanne joined TLT as a Legal Director in the Employment team in July 2018. 

  Leeanne has experience of advising a range of public and private sector clients on a broad range of employment issues.

  Her experience includes support and representation of clients in the Industrial Tribunal and the Fair Employment Tribunal, TUPE, outsourcing, absence management, grievance and disciplinary procedures, redundancy, equality and diversity issues (including monitoring obligations). In addition, Leeanne has extensive experience supporting on employment aspects of multi million pound M&As. Leeanne's depth of experience enables her to bring a practical and commercial approach to the advice she provides to clients, including in the management of tribunal litigation, so as to provide the client with the most favourable and cost effective outcomes.