One of the most thought-provoking conversations at RISE 2026 came from our long-standing partners and panel sponsors, SlaterHeelis.
Their session, Power, Protection and Possibility, explored the changing legal landscape facing employers and highlighted why organisations need to begin preparing now for significant employment law reforms expected to come into force from October 2026 and January 2027.
Representing SlaterHeelis on the panel were Debbie Coyne, Partner and Head of Employment, Carla Murray, Partner and Head of Commercial, and Rachel Fletcher, Managing Partner and Head of Crime and Regulatory. Together, they brought a wealth of expertise and practical insight to a discussion that was highly relevant for business owners, charity leaders, HR professionals and employers across all sectors.
The message was clear.
The workplace is changing, and organisations that prepare early will be in the strongest position to navigate the changes ahead.
Among the key reforms expected are:
• A strengthened duty on employers to prevent sexual harassment and take all reasonable steps to protect employees.
• The introduction of liability relating to third-party harassment.
• A reduction in the qualifying period for unfair dismissal protection from two years to six months.
• The removal of the cap on unfair dismissal compensation.
• An extension of the time limit for bringing employment claims to six months.
These changes have the potential to affect organisations of every size, from small businesses and social enterprises to larger employers and corporate organisations.
At RISE, much of the conversation focused on leadership, opportunity and the future of work. However, effective leadership is also about creating workplaces where people feel safe, respected and valued. It is about understanding responsibilities, building strong cultures and ensuring that policies and practices keep pace with changing legislation.
Recognising the scale of these forthcoming reforms, SlaterHeelis is offering a free Employment Rights Impact Assessment to help organisations understand how the changes may affect them.The assessment includes a review of current arrangements together with practical recommendations on the steps employers should be taking now to prepare for the new legislation and protect their organisations moving forward.
For many employers, this offers an opportunity to identify potential risks, review existing policies and gain expert guidance before the changes come into force. Whether you are a business owner, a charity trustee, a school leader, an HR professional or someone responsible for managing people within your organisation, taking time now to understand the implications of these reforms could prove invaluable.
At She Inspires, we are committed to sharing opportunities, knowledge and resources that help our community thrive. We know that strong organisations are built not only through innovation and ambition, but also through good governance, responsible leadership and a genuine commitment to people.
We would like to thank SlaterHeelis for their continued support of RISE and for generously making this free assessment available to organisations that may benefit from expert guidance during this period of change.
To learn more about the forthcoming employment law reforms and access the information provided by SlaterHeelis, please visit:
Employment Rights Reform Guide
https://online.flippingbook.com/view/748896072/4/
If you would like to take advantage of the free Employment Rights Impact Assessment, please contact the SlaterHeelis Employment Team directly.
Because great workplaces do not happen by accident. They are built through leadership, understanding and action.
