Free Wiltshire Business Event to Help Employers Prepare for Major Employment Law Changes

Business owners and senior managers across Swindon and Wiltshire are being invited to a free event next month aimed at helping them understand changes to employment law and their responsibilities towards staff.

Taking place at Royal Wootton Bassett Rugby Club on Monday 16th November, the two-hour session will bring together employment law specialists, HR professionals and Wiltshire Police to discuss issues that many businesses may not have considered.

Among the subjects being covered are workplace harassment, domestic abuse, safeguarding employees and the responsibilities employers face when staff are working from home or dealing with third parties.

The event has been organised in response to changes in employment legislation and a recent survey of Wiltshire businesses which suggested that many employers are unsure about their existing responsibilities, let alone the additional requirements being introduced.

Helping businesses understand their responsibilities

The session, running from 3pm until 5pm, is being held in association with Wiltshire Police, law firm Thrings, KR HR & Training Consultancy and SWA, with sponsorship from GEL Studios.

Rather than another business networking afternoon, organisers want attendees to leave with a better understanding of what is expected of them and how to put appropriate policies and procedures in place.

There will be a particular focus on issues such as domestic abuse and violence against women and girls, including how employers can recognise potential warning signs and respond appropriately when a member of staff needs support.

Local businessman and event organiser James Phipps said:

“This unique, free session is not a networking event, it is not being designed for sales opportunities. It is purely to give local leaders the right insight and knowledge to understand their legal responsibilities and can then act accordingly.”

The event will also explore how changes in working practices have created new challenges for employers.

With homeworking now a regular part of many people’s working lives, recognising when someone might be experiencing difficulties away from the traditional workplace can be more complicated.

Wiltshire Police backing the initiative

Wiltshire Police is supporting the event as part of its wider work to tackle violence against women and girls.

Deputy Chief Constable Mark Cooper said:

“Tackling Violence Against Women and Girls is one of Wiltshire Police’s operational priorities, and partnership working is essential to improving outcomes for victims.

“By equipping employers with the right knowledge and support, we can work together to identify risks earlier, safeguard those affected and help prevent further harm.

“I encourage leaders from organisations across Wiltshire to attend this event and play their part in creating safer communities.”

The importance of the subject is reflected in national crime figures, with millions of people across England and Wales affected by domestic abuse, harassment and sexual violence.

For employers, the challenge is not simply understanding the law but knowing how to respond sensitively and effectively when concerns arise.

Practical advice from legal and HR specialists

Representatives from Thrings and KR HR & Training Consultancy will be among those offering guidance during the afternoon.

Carey Willis Fleming, Senior Associate at Thrings, said:

“The upcoming change in the law is a significant development for employers, and we want to ensure businesses understand what is changing and the obligations these changes will bring for their organisation.”

Kathryn Fairlie, Director at KR HR & Training Consultancy, believes employers need to think beyond the traditional workplace when considering the wellbeing of their teams.

She said:

“On top of the changes in employment law, the way in which many businesses operate has evolved over recent years, with homeworking increasingly prevalent.

“This seminar will help employers to consider different risks in a practical, logical way, including being mindful of how domestic abuse can impact people at work.

“The right response as an employer can change, and potentially save, someone’s life.”

How to attend the free event

The session is open to business owners, organisational leaders, HR teams and those responsible for managing staff.

Places can be booked through the free event booking link.

With changes to employment law continuing to develop, the afternoon offers local employers an opportunity to ask questions, hear from specialists and consider whether their own workplace policies are up to date.