Step inside a realistic WRC hearing and explore how complex workplace disputes are examined, challenged and resolved.

Join the CIPD in Ireland Mid West region, supported by Adare Trusted People Partners, for a practical and immersive WRC-style mock adjudication hearing that puts you at the heart of a realistic WRC hearing. Get an unfiltered insight into how complex workplace disputes can unfold and what HR professionals can do to manage them effectively.

Designed for HR professionals, people managers and employee relations practitioners, this national series uses a realistic case scenario to explore how workplace disputes are examined and resolved in practice.

Featuring a panel of leading HR and legal professionals, including a WRC Adjudication Officer, a barrister and experienced HR professionals, you’ll experience how a case really unfolds. Follow a live case from witness evidence and legal submissions through to cross-examination and adjudication and discover how current workplace trends are shaping employment law conversations in Ireland today.

Explore the workplace issues making headlines, including:

probation and extended probation

occupational health considerations

neurodivergence and reasonable accommodation

termination following probation

protected disclosures

the use of AI in submissions

the growing influence of social media in workplace disputes

Whether you regularly manage employee relations cases or are building your confidence in this area, this is a valuable CPD opportunity to refresh your practical skills, strengthen your judgement and decision-making, and learn alongside peers in a supportive, safe and engaging environment.

Meet the team bringing the mock hearing to life

Derek McKay, Founder and Director (Executive) I Adare Trusted People Partners & Linea

Derek McKay, BBS, Chartered MCIPD, is an experienced Human Resource and Employment Law practitioner who has worked extensively in the private, not-for-profit and public sectors. Since founding Adare Human Resource Management in 2003, Derek has overseen the growth of the business to become one of Ireland’s leading HR, Employment Law and Industrial Relations Consultancies. In 2022, Derek changed roles from Managing Director to joining the Board of Directors. Derek regularly speaks at seminars for companies and associations throughout the country on HR and Employment related topics and contributes to numerous publications in this area also. Prior to setting up Adare Human Resource Management, Derek worked in the Human Resource Departments in a number of multinational organisations. Derek is currently a member of the CIPD National Committee and a member and former Chair of the Sustainable HRM Skillnet. Additionally, in his spare time, Derek contributes by volunteering as the Chairperson for the Marie Keating Foundation, a charity whose mission is to make cancer less frightening by enlightening and whose aim is to live in a world free from the fear of cancer.

David James Murphy, Solicitor and Adjudicator

David James Murphy is a solicitor specialising in employment law. In 2022 he was appointed as a WRC Adjudication Officer, leaving his position in an international corporate law firm. David continues to practice law through his own boutique solicitor's practice focused on employment law, investigations and mediations. David began his career in industrial relations, working as a trade union official.

Katie Ridge, Head of Employer Relations | Adare Trusted People Partners

Katie Ridge, Chartered MCIPD, Barrister at Law, has practical HR experience combined with substantial employment law knowledge and workplace investigation know how. Katie has a broad range of employment law experience specialising in workplace investigations, grievance and disciplinary matters, as well as representing Organisations in the Workplace Relations Commission and Labour Court. Prior to joining Adare Human Resource Management, Katie has supported a diverse range of private, not-for-profit and public sector Organisations. She has worked as a barrister for 15 years in addition to her 10 years working within HR roles.

Tommy Cummins, Head of Industrial Relations | Adare Trusted People Partners

Tommy Cummins assists unionised Organisations in the design, development and delivery of Organisational change through an Employee Relations framework, including redefinition of established IR processes and introduction of Pay and Reward structures to drive tangible productivity gain within the Organisation. Tommy worked for over 25 years in a senior HR capacity within diverse multinational organisations such as Fujitsu Microelectronics, IBM and AXA Insurance. His achievements have been recognised within the fields of IR and HR when he was an invited speaker at the previous IRN Conferences and also a Winner of the CIPD Watson Wyatt HR Innovation Award.

Why attend?

Gain practical insight into the WRC adjudication process.

See how employment law is applied to a realistic, multi-la

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