Inspired HR Roundup - PTBI Speakers, How To Manage A Tribunal Case & More!
Inspired HR Roundup
Our first speaker Prepare To Be Inspired speaker needs no introduction... it is of course our brilliant founder and CEO, Nikki Masterman! At this event, Nikki will share her honest reflections on when showing up as her true self helped win trust, spark opportunity, and grow a business grounded in integrity. She’ll also talk candidly about the moments where being too open came with challenges.
Our second speaker is the brilliant Jeni Smith! Jeni has almost 20 years’ experience in networking strategy and is currently embarking on a PhD at Durham University. She believes that networking has the ability to change people’s lives, unlock hidden potential, spark world-changing ideas and be the catalyst for positive change so you can see why she’s the perfect fit for Prepare To Be Inspired!
Jeni will share her personal journey of learning to be intentional, authentic, and strategic in her approach to building relationships. She’ll reflect on the moments when being honest and human helped unlock opportunities, as well as the times it felt like a risk.
We've also got the fantastic Scott Wilson-Laing joining us! As Founder and CEO of WL Distillery, one of the North East’s fastest-growing premium gin brands, Scott brings his real-world experience of turning passion into a thriving, recognised business.
At this event, Scott will share his story of growing WL Distillery through authentic relationship-building, relentless focus, and staying true to his vision. And why, even in a competitive market, being genuine remains his biggest advantage.
Last but in no way least, our final speaker is the wonderful Deni Chambers! With extensive experience across education and the digital creative sectors, Deni has led large-scale transformation projects, driven innovation, and built positive workplace cultures where people are empowered to grow.
At this event, Deni will share her reflections on how human relationships - both within organisations and across wider networks have shaped her leadership journey.
Don't miss out on this inspiring lineup! Click here to book your spot and to see our other upcoming events.
How To Manage A Tribunal Claim
Getting an employment tribunal claim (ET1 form) is never fun. But with the right preparation, you can take the sting out and get ahead of the process.
First, gather the facts. Collect any relevant documents and keep them safe. Make a clear, factual note of what happened and always remember that anything you document and how you document it will be read by a judge. If others witnessed the situation, ask them to jot down what they remember.
If you’re not using a legal representative, take time to brush up and understand the law related to the likely claims.
As soon as the ET1 arrives, check the deadline. You have 28 days from the date it was sent to submit your response (ET3). Miss it, and you could face a default judgment. If you’re going to need more time, apply for an extension right away.
Read the claim carefully. Tribunals sometimes let through errors or claims that are not applicable/out of time. If you spot any of these things, make sure you highlight or challenge them in your response as it may result in you getting the claim thrown out.
Once you’ve reviewed the details, take a step back and look at the bigger picture. Think about how strong the claims are, how you plan to respond, and what it could cost – in both time and money.
The ET3 response form sets out your position. It includes basic details and explains which parts of the claim you disagree with and why. Most employers also include a separate document called the ‘grounds of resistance’. This is your core defence, so make it count.
When your response is ready, send it to the tribunal and share a copy with the employee and Acas. Then wait for the next steps. That might be a preliminary hearing, collecting more evidence, or a full hearing if it moves forward.
Or if this all feels a little too much for you to handle and you would love the experts to handle this on your behalf then make sure you reach out to us and our legal partners.
Inspired Minds: Two-Way Communication
At Inspired Minds, we’re big believers in two-way communication. That means creating space for honest conversations, respecting different communication needs, and making sure every voice is heard.
Here are few simple ways to improve your one-to-ones:
Ask your employee what seating setup feels most comfortable.
Put your phone away! Show your employee that you’re actively listening.
Be clear about the purpose of the meeting so they know up front what it’s about.
Avoid phrases like ‘can I see you?’ or ‘do you have a minute’ to lessen anxiety.
Use ‘I’ or ‘we’ rather than ‘you’ to create a more supportive tone.
Ask what they need, not what you assume they need.
Small changes, big impact.
Want to build a workplace where neurodiverse employees can thrive? Inspired Minds is here to help.
Legal Roundup: Right To Work Checks
The government plans to extend right to work checks to gig economy and zero-hour workers, even if hired through third parties or subcontractors.
If you get it wrong, the penalty is steep: up to £45,000 per illegal worker, rising to £60,000 for repeat breaches. Director disqualification and criminal charges are also on the table.
There’s no timeline yet, and a consultation is expected. We’ll keep you posted.
Service Spotlight
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Take the hassle out of HR for as little as £22 per month. Book a demo and see how our HR software can transform the way you work.