About this event
Join the CIPD branch in the North East of England for our annual meeting.
Our annual meeting will be the first part of the session as we share insights from the last twelve months and future plans for the CIPD branch in the North East of England.
We’ll also explore practical approaches to managing employee absence in today’s evolving workplace alongside sessions on the emergence of AI litigation and interactive networking focused on innovation through conversation. This is a valuable opportunity to learn, connect and prepare for the year ahead.
Session 1-
Litigating with Robots, hosted by Muckle LLP
The Employment team will discuss:
- The rise of AI usage by employers and employees in grievance, disciplinaries and employment disputes;
- How that impacts on the management of grievance and disciplinaries (including allied DSARs and disclosure considerations);
- The way in which ETs are responding to AI considerations in case management and other areas;
- Tips on how to interact and manage employees or claimants who are relying on AI.
Session 2-
Innovation through conversation: Facilitated networking session, hosted by Jeni Smith from Netkno
Join networking specialist and NetKno founder Jeni Smith for a facilitated networking session designed to unlock the power of conversation, connection and knowledge sharing.
Built around the theme Innovation Through Conversation, this interactive session will explore how diverse networks can support problem solving, spark new ideas and strengthen professional relationships. Delegates will be guided through a structured networking activity designed to help them make meaningful new connections, exchange knowledge and insights, and discover the value of learning from others across the room.
Expect an engaging, energetic session that will leave you with new contacts, fresh perspectives and inspiration to network with greater confidence and purpose.
Session 3-
Managing employee absence: Minimise risk, maximise productivity, hosted by Hay & Kilner
The Employment Team at Hay & Kilner will share their knowledge and experience of managing workplace absences, highlighting our commercial approach to minimising legal risks whilst fostering a productive work environment.
Through our unique roleplay scenario, we will demonstrate how to manage:
- The relevant changes from the Employment Rights Act 2025
- Difficult short-term and long-term absences
- A lack of engagement in internal processes
- Reasonable adjustments
Speakers bio:
Muckle LLP
Chris Maddock and Paula Normington are part of the Muckle LLP employment team, which is rated in the Top Tier of employment teams in the North by the Legal 500.
They act for a wide range of employers from PLCs and universities to charities, SMEs and owner-managed businesses.
Jeni Smith, Netkno
Jeni Smith is a UK-based keynote speaker, facilitator, and founder of NetKno, a consultancy specialising in networking strategy and relationship-led growth. With over 20 years’ experience working with organisations across corporate, public sector, and higher education, Jeni’s work focuses on how people build trust, collaborate effectively, and navigate complex professional relationships. Alongside her commercial work, Jeni is currently undertaking a PhD at Durham University Business School, applying design science to develop tools to bridge the gap between academics and practitioners. Her research-informed approach gives her work depth and credibility, while her entrepreneurial background ensures every session remains grounded, practical, and relevant. Jeni has delivered keynotes, workshops, and facilitated sessions for organisations including HSBC, the Department for International Trade, NHS bodies, universities such as Oxford, Cambridge, Durham and Manchester, and a wide range of business networks and leadership audiences across the UK and internationally.
Hay & Kilner
Sarah Furness, Partner
Sarah provides advice to employer clients on a range of employment law matters and in various sectors and takes pride in getting to know her clients and their businesses so that she can assist them with their people strategy and so she has a full awareness of their commercial objectives and how their people strategy fits in with those objectives. Sarah is known for her down to earth and practical approach to employment law issues and is often referred to as part of her client’s “team”.
Sarah Hall, Partner
Sarah has been advising clients on all aspects of employment law for 25 years and is well known for her pragmatic approach, ensuring that her advice and support meets her clients’ values and objectives. She acts almost exclusively for employers across a variety of sectors and works closely with directors and HR managers providing strategic support and practical advice on all HR matters.
Inna Ratsebarska, Solicitor
Inna advises clients across all aspects of employment law, including disciplinaries, grievances, absence management, performance issues, employment contracts and policies and regularly assists with settlement discussions and agreements, as well as representing employers in Employment Tribunal proceedings. Known for her approachable manner, Inna works closely with clients to provide practical solutions tailored to their business needs.
Please note:
1. Reminder emails will be sent to you the day before, with a further reminder on the day of the event.
2. Photography and video production may be taking place at the event, and these images may be used in the CIPD newsletters.
3. By attending the event, you are giving your consent for your image to be used on any CIPD promotional materials.
4. As we are supplying refreshments, if you can no longer attend, please cancel your place either on Eventbrite, responding to this email.
5. This event may include an external speaker who has prepared their own presentation. Any views or opinions expressed by the speaker are their own and do not reflect those of the CIPD.
6. If you require any reasonable adjustments to enhance your experience, please get in contact with us by responding to this email and we will do our best to accommodate.
