• What it means to make reasonable adjustments in the workplace
• How an individual may fall within the definition of disability under the Equality Act 2010
• Example scenarios and how to tackle tricky issues
• How to approach mental health in this context
• The consequences of failing to make reasonable adjustments

They also share some top tips for employers in approaching these issues.

• how these proposals may inadvertently lead to positive discrimination in recruitment
• the difference between positive action and positive discrimination and how these issues could manifest using a practical example
• the regulator’s views on the interplay between the proposals and the Equality Act 2010
• broader strategies for tackling underrepresentation and the Equality Act’s general positive action provision

The first episode on the FCA consultation and its implications is still available here and on all the leading podcast platforms.

• the background to the FCA’s consultation paper (‘CP23/20: Diversity and inclusion in the financial sector – working together to drive change’).
• the FCA’s main proposals.
• what the consultation says about non-financial misconduct.
• some practical examples with a view on the impact the proposed amendments to the FCA Handbook will have on individuals and firms.
• how firms operating in the financial sector can prepare for any changes.

Among the topics covered are:

• An introduction to Generative Pre-trained (GPT) artificial intelligence
• An overview of how it might be used in a workplace including for research, productivity enhancement and upskilling
• A review of the possible risks including liability risks caused by the lack of human oversight, problems with (in)accuracy, breach of confidence, breach of contract, breach of UK GDPR or even professional duties
• The importance for employers of focus on employee impact and of taking advice on possible equality and diversity implications and whether a data impact assessment is appropriate
• Recommendations to leadership teams on how to get started, including scoping a proper understanding of the implications of the technology and the scale and complexity of the task they are looking to augment

Join Shoshana and Rachael in part 2 of this podcast when they talk about:

• Non-compliance with settlements reached in mediations
• Importance of mindset
• Timing of mediation
• Using mediation to resolve workplace conflict
• The importance of management competence in conflict resolution

Join Shoshana and Rachael in this first podcast when they talk about:

• the cost of workplace disputes
• mediation as an alternative form of dispute resolution
• what mediation has to offer
• how best to prepare
• whether mediation is a sign of weakness.

Our partner Ivor Adair and coach Graham Browning, former Magic Circle lawyer and a troubleshooter on people issues, are back in discussion in the second of our podcasts on the subject of bullying and executive conflict in the workplace.

In this episode, Ivor and Graham move on to discuss issues relating to bulling in a corporate environment versus in professional partnerships.  They cover practical tips for leadership teams and techniques for resolving issues in a hybrid working environment. 

In this first episode, their free-ranging discussion covers the dynamics of bullying, common themes and early warning signs, as well as policies and legal issues.    

In this second episode, Catriona and Shiv talk about:

• the practical and legal options for employers if a breach or potential breach of a non-compete clause is discovered
• the pros and cons of taking different courses of action
• practical steps an employer can take to protect its business
• the issue of  payment during a non-compete period

In this first podcast, Catriona and Shiv talk about:

• why employers choose to include non-compete clauses in contracts
• key considerations when thinking about incorporating a non-compete clause into employment terms
• dispelling the common myth that non-compete clauses are not enforceable
• warnings signs that an employee has or is about to breach their contractual restrictions

• The potential for members to bring actions on behalf of the LLP against a wrongdoing majority
• What we can learn from recent case law in this area
• The advantages and potential pitfalls of bringing derivative actions

• How to make a good new career choice;
• Planning for the transition;
• Tools you need to drive your plan forward;
• Top tips for executive transitions.

• the impact of working through the pandemic on senior leadership mental health
• fundamental principles to ensure and implement a culture of wellbeing
• takeaways for senior individuals and firms interested in well-being at work

• What to do when employees post undesirable comments on social media;
• What a good social media policy should cover;
• The benefits of guidelines and training for social media use;
• How employers can protect their confidential information;
• Considerations for monitoring online activity.

• Creating a culture of “speaking up”, and the importance of setting the tone from the top
• What can a good policy do
• Common pitfalls when disclosures are made in practice
• Industry specific requirements
• Predictions for the future

• The importance of financial due diligence
• Considerations of liability
• Future exit provisions
• Issues relating to restrictive covenants and team moves
• Alignment on attitude to risk and cultural fit