Online – 18 March, 14.00–16.00
This online meeting of the HR Directors Professional Network will focus on three priority areas shaping workforce strategy, compliance, and operational practice across VODG member organisations. The session blends expert input with collaborative discussion, ensuring space for members to share experiences and identify collective actions.
1. The Employment Rights Bill and Beyond: Strategic Workforce and Compliance Priorities
A major section of the meeting will be devoted to the Employment Rights Bill (ERB), supported by a presentation from Trowers & Hamlins. This one-hour segment will highlight:
- Key elements of the ERB and required actions to date
- Forthcoming unfair dismissal reforms (effective 1 January 2027)
- The implications of rising trade union activity in a sector with historically low levels of unionisation
- Workforce and compliance considerations for VODG members
The format will mirror our December meeting: concise expert overviews followed by facilitated discussion, with a focus on supporting members to prepare proactively for legislative change.
2. AI in the Workplace: Managing Automated Employment Letters and Employer Risk
HR teams are experiencing a rapid increase in employment-related correspondence generated using AI tools, including complex grievances and ‘without prejudice’ settlement proposals. Members have raised examples such as AI‑authored letters produced by firms like Grapple Law, which can appear legally sophisticated while containing inaccuracies or unrealistic demands.
This segment will explore:
- How AI-generated employee communications are shaping workplace relations
- The operational and administrative pressures this creates for HR
- Potential legal risks and appropriate employer responses
- Emerging trends and practical approaches to managing AI-generated documents
Trowers & Hamlins will offer insight into what they are seeing across their client base, supported by member experiences from within the network.
3. Care Worker Pathways: Immigration, Settlement and Workforce Impact
Significant changes to immigration rules, earned‑settlement routes, and visa requirements continue to affect the stability and planning of the care workforce. This part of the session will allow members to:
- Reflect on how the latest developments are impacting recruitment and retention
- Identify live issues still being worked through
- Consider collective actions—such as seeking clarification or raising concerns with government
The discussion will be led by Sarah Woodhouse, VODG’s Director of Policy and Influencing, who will frame key themes while drawing on the group’s insights and experiences to shape priorities.
Programme
| 14.00 - 14.05 | Welcome | Kerry Hamilton, Director of Membership and Operations at VODG |
| 14.05 - 14.10 | Programme Overview | HR Directors' Network Co-Chair at VODG |
| 14.10 - 15.10 | The Employment Rights Bill and Beyond: Strategic Workforce and Compliance Priorities for VODG Members | Laura Welchew, Partner at Trowers & Hamlins |
| 15.10 - 15.40 | AI in the Workplace: Managing the Rise of Automated Employment Letters and Employer Risk | Tom Stephenson, Senior Associate at Trowers & Hamlins |
| 15.40 - 15.50 | Care Worker Pathways | Sarah Woodhouse, Director of Policy and Influencing at VODG |
| 15.50 - 15.55 | Future Topics | HR Directors' Network Co-Chair at VODG |
| 15.55 - 16.00 | Final Roundup | Kerry Hamilton, Director of Membership and Operations at VODG |
Speakers
Accessibility
Please note, should you have any accessibility requirements, we will do our best to make necessary arrangements to support you; however, we may require up to four weeks notice, so please list your requirements on the booking form. Closed captions are used as standard in online meetings. If you have any questions, please email [email protected].
Join the HR Directors' Professional Network
The HR directors' network provides colleagues a secure space to discuss pertinent issues and topics via our online forum, to upload documents and to view the lastest network events.
