Experience the drama of a live mock employment tribunal and learn how unfair dismissal cases are tested, argued and decided before a judge.

Experience employment law in action with CIPD Chiltern Branch

Join us for an exciting and highly practical mock employment tribunal experience, designed to bring employment law to life for People Professionals, HR practitioners, managers, HR students and law students.

This is not a traditional seminar. Attendees will step inside a realistic tribunal setting and follow a fictional unfair dismissal case as it unfolds, from the opening context through to witness evidence, cross-examination, closing submissions, group discussion and judgment.

To make the experience as authentic and engaging as possible, the mock tribunal will feature a real-life judge, barristers and volunteer witnesses from Buckinghamshire New University’s Law programme. Together, they will bring the case to life, giving attendees a rare opportunity to see how evidence is tested, witnesses respond under questioning and decisions are reached in a tribunal-style setting.

With important changes expected from January around the qualifying period for unfair dismissal claims, this event is especially timely. It will explore how workplace decisions, processes, documentation and evidence can be scrutinised in a tribunal environment, and what HR professionals can learn from that in practice.

Places are primarily intended for CIPD members, with a small allocation available for non-CIPD members.

What to expect

Throughout the day, attendees will observe a full mock tribunal scenario involving:

A tribunal judge

Advocates representing each side

Witnesses giving evidence

Cross-examination

Mock tribunal documents and evidence

Group discussion and audience questions

A final judgment

The case will be designed to reflect issues HR and People professionals may encounter in real organisational settings, giving attendees the chance to consider how decisions are scrutinised, how evidence is presented and how tribunal outcomes can be influenced by process, preparation and credibility.

There may even be a little courtroom drama along the way.

What attendees will gain

By attending, you will have the opportunity to:

Understand how an employment tribunal hearing may unfold in practice

Explore the key stages of an unfair dismissal claim

See how witness evidence and cross-examination can influence a case

Consider the importance of fair process, clear documentation and credible decision-making

Reflect on the role HR professionals play in reducing employment risk

Build confidence in understanding tribunal terminology, procedure and expectations

Take part in discussion around what the outcome should be before judgment is delivered

Network with local People Professionals, HR practitioners, students and those interested in employment law

This event will be particularly valuable for anyone working in HR, studying HR or law, supporting employee relations activity, advising managers, or wanting to develop a stronger practical understanding of employment tribunal proceedings.

Indicative agenda

Tea, coffee and water will be available throughout, along with dedicated time for a light lunch.

09:30 to 10:00

Arrival and registration

10:00 to 10:30

Welcome and introduction to the day

An overview of the mock tribunal process, the case background and what attendees can expect.

10:30 to 12:00

Mock hearing begins

Cross-examination of the Claimant.

12:00 to 13:00

Cross-examination of the Respondent’s first witness

13:00 to 13:30

Lunch and refreshments

13:30 to 14:30

Cross-examination of the Respondent’s second witness

14:30 to 15:00

Closing submissions

Short oral submissions from each advocate.

15:30 to 16:00

Judge deliberation and audience discussion

Attendees will be invited to discuss the evidence, consider the strengths and weaknesses of each side’s case, and share views on who they think should succeed. There will also be time for questions.

16:00

Judgment

The judge will deliver a short judgment, bringing the mock tribunal to a close.

Any remaining time

Open Q&A and networking

Why attend?

Employment law can often feel theoretical until you see it tested in practice. This event offers a rare chance to experience the dynamics of a tribunal-style hearing in a safe, educational and engaging environment.

Whether you are an experienced People Professional, new to HR, studying law, or simply looking to understand how workplace decisions may be challenged, this session will give you practical insight you can take back into your own studies, role or organisation.

Join us for a memorable, interactive and thought-provoking day with CIPD Chiltern Branch.

About the speaker

Greg Clark

Greg Clark is a Senior Associate in the employment and business immigration teams at B P Collins. He advises employers, employees, partnerships and senior executives on a wide range of employment law matters, including employment tribunal claims, settlement agreements, contracts

Description supplied by the event organiser.