Q And A
Meet the Experts
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Vanessa Wheeler
Vanessa Wheeler advises employees and employers on all areas of employment law. Vanessa has substantial experience in: pregnancy and maternity discrimination (including advocacy before the employment tribunal); flexible working issues and extensive experience in relation to compromise agreements. In a previous role she was funded by the Equality and Human Rights Commission to deal with pregnancy and maternity discrimination matters. Vanessa has commented on employment law for the Guardian and for BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour. Vanessa can be contacted on 07852265 865 or vwheeler@setfords.co.uk
Dave Chaplin
Dave Chaplin is CEO of ContractorCalculator.co.uk. He has lived and breathed contracting since he first took the plunge and became a professional contractor in 1997. Dave then spent seven years working as an IT contractor in the City of London on critical, cutting edge IT infrastructure and development projects for global players. Since launching ContractorCalculator in 2004, Dave has consulted with the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS), HM Treasury and HM Revenue and Customs on the future of IR35 and on tax simplification. He has become a contracting guru influencing new generations of contractors through ContractorCalculator.
Angela Maclaren
Angela has many years' experience in recruitment consultancy. She is a working mum and a writer.
Sejal Raja
Sejal Raja is a partner in RadcliffesLeBrasseur’s Employment Team. She advises employees and employers in a number of sectors, including charities and healthcare. Sejal advises extensively on all employment matters, including defending tribunal proceedings, advising on disciplinary and grievance procedures, and matters involving the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006. Sejal regularly provides training for employers on various employment law matters. Sejal has been quoted in the Chambers, a leading legal directory as “an expert in handling discrimination claims. She impresses clients with her spot-on advice and creative thinking in dealing with complex matters”. Whilst not at work, Sejal enjoys spending quality time with her two young children.
Nicola O'Dwyer
Nicola O'Dwyer is a an Associate Solicitor within the employment department at Downs Solicitors LLP, which has been recognised in the Legal 500. She advises both employers and employees on matters such as redundancy, unfair dismissal, grievance and disciplinary procedures, TUPE, discrimination and family friendly rights, including maternity, paternity and flexible working requests. As Nicola returned part time after having her two children she has a particular interest in ensuring that working mothers are treated fairly. Nicola can be contacted via the website www.downslaw.co.uk or on n.odwyer@downslaw.co.uk.
Tara Daynes
Tara Daynes is a freelance HR and training consultant with 18 years’ post-graduate experience. She is a qualified Employment Law Paralegal and Fellow member of the CIPD, and specialises in employment law & how to apply it in the workplace. Tara is frequently featured in the media, including press commentary, business magazines and websites, radio interviews and a BBC documentary, as an HR and employment expert. www.taradayneshr.com
Alan Lewis
Alan Lewis is a partner and head of employment at national law firm Linder Myers which has offices in Manchester, Shropshire and Lancashire. Alan has in excess of 20 years' experience in employment law and acts for both employers and senior employees in a wide range of Employment Tribunal and High Court disputes. Some of his specialisms include: restrictive covenants and breaches of confidentiality; dismissals of directors and senior executives; pregnancy, maternity and part time workers discrimination; redundancy and transfer of undertakings; unfair dismissal and sex, race and disability discrimination; drafting directors service agreements, contracts of employment and staff handbooks. If you have an employment query, Alan Lewis can be contacted on 0844 984 6075 or via email alan.lewis@lindermyers.co.uk . For more information, including Alan's profile details and client testimonials visit www.lindermyers.co.uk
Griselda Kumordzie Togobo
Griselda K Togobo is a consultant, mentor and speaker who is passionate about empowering women to start and grow profitable businesses. She blogs regularly at www.awovi.com and is the author of How to become an expert in 7 simple steps.
Maureen Bailey
Maureen Bailey is an award-winning professional who specialises in women and equality issues. As well as managing a consultancy and network she coaches mentors and thrives on people aiming to be the best they can be. She has a Bachelor Law Degree, with honours and is a member of the National Mentoring Consortium. She was a former Chair of a Children’s Centre, governor of two schools and is now a trustee at a local children’s charity. Maureen has two daughters. See: www.innerstrengthnetwork.com
Sandra Beale
Sandra Beale set up SJ Beale HR Consult in February 2003 and delivers a high quality, flexible, professional HR consultancy to small to medium sized businesses. The HR services include telephone/email advice, on site support, employment documentation, HR training and employment tribunal representation. Sandra is able to provide clear, practical advice on any HR issue including grievance, discipline, dismissal, redundancy, TUPE, absence, re-structures, performance management, recruitment, pay & benefits, etc. www.sjbealehrconsult.co.uk
Daycare Trust
Daycare Trust is a national childcare charity working to promote high quality affordable childcare for all. www.daycaretrust.org.uk.
Jane Barclay
Jane Barclay is group HR manager for Ede and Ravenscroft, having set up her own HR consultancy, Barclay Boland HR.
Anna Docherty
Anna has been working in the human resources field since 1993 in both blue chip companies and small companies. Since 2006, she has been an HR Consultant for Docherty HR. To contact her for a private consultation, email her on dochertyhr@btinternet.com. Her website is www.dochertyhr.co.uk.
Amanda Gummer
Dr. Amanda Gummer is the founder of FUNdamentals, which helps companies and individuals understand the needs of families and children and turn that understanding into effective practices.
Emma Jones
Emma Jones is founder and editor of the home business website enterprisenation.com.
Susie Kendall
Susie Kendall is a former solicitor who retrained as a coach 3 years ago. For more information, visit www.youblossom.co.uk, and see Susie's blog.
Nannytax
Nannytax is the UK's original and leading payroll support service for employers of nannies and other domestic staff. www.nannytax.co.uk
Tom Endean
Tom Endean is marketing manager of the British Franchise Association and has developed and managed the communications, brand, press relations, general marketing, events and partnerships with the bfa since July 08.
Linda Whittern
Linda Whittern is Director of Careers Partnership (UK), a careers consultancy for women and men at all stages of their careers.
Laura Livingstone
Laura Livingstone is an employment lawyer for Davenport Lyons in London. Her practice focuses on contentious and non-contentious employment work, but she leans towards the non-contentious. She has advised a wide variety of corporate clients in all areas of employment.
Tracey Guest
Tracey Guest is head of employment and a partner at Slater Heelis in Manchester. She specialises in employment law and is also a working mum.
Katerina Gould
Katerina Gould runs Thinking Potential, offering career consultancy and executive coaching. As a working mum, she has a special interest in helping women navigate all the transitions they face in their careers.
Joanna Robson
Joanna Robson is an employment law solicitor specialising in maternity related employment law matters. She is also the founder of Babylaw, set up three years' ago to get the message out there to individuals who are having problems or difficulties at work because of their pregnancy or maternity leave status. Joanna has previously worked in private practice, acting for both claimants and respondents.
Ruth Renton
Prior to establishing Renton Associates Limited, Ruth Renton has many years experience of advising both employers and employees on all aspects of employment law. CIPD trained, Ruth is also an experienced employment law trainer and has written and facilitated employment law and skills training, both in-house to employers and through public seminars. Ruth is a passionate believer in training staff to manage and work within the law, helping to create a positive diverse workplace while providing a defence for employers. Approachable and articulate, Ruth has advised a broad range of clients ranging from charities and the public sector to small owner managed businesses and FTSE listed companies. Qualified since 1995, Ruth’s background is City based (Eversheds, Allen & Overy and Orchard Solicitors). As a non-practising solicitor, Ruth views herself as an employment lawyer with additional skills. Ruth is also proud to be a working mum of four kids – her biggest challenge!
Des Desai
My company are tax specialists (one of my partners is an ex-Senior Inspector of Taxes) who exclusively serve self employed and buy to let landlords. If you are running your own business or intending to start one, we can give you practical down to earth advice on tax and benefits. Whatever your tax issues, just remember we are on your side Website: www.mrtaxsoftware.com Email: des@mrtaxsoftware.com
