Preparing for an Employment Case at the Workplace Relations Commission
Tuesday 3rd February 2025 – Waterford
Tuesday 24th March 2025 – Cork
Overview
Receiving a claim form from the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) can feel overwhelming – especially if you are unfamiliar with the process or are unsure how to respond. With the right guidance and preparation, it doesn’t have to be.
This focussed half day masterclass will break down the preparation process into clear, manageable steps. Led by experienced Employer Relations Executive who represent employers in the WRC on a daily basis, participants will be equipped with a clear understanding of the WRC, the adjudication process, timelines, and expectations.
Approach
Masterclass participants are encouraged to express their views and experiences. The Masterclass facilitates participant discussion to ensure a thorough understanding of the key points and their application. Real life case studies/exercises will be used to ensure a real practical understanding.
At the end of the Masterclass participants will:
• Develop a solid understanding of the WRC and the WRC Adjudication process
• Be equipped to identify and compile the necessary relevant documentation and information to defend a claim
• Gain the skills and confidence to prepare and support your organisation through a WRC hearing
This Masterclass is for:
HR Professionals and managers who are responsible for or who support in the handling of WRC claims and attend hearings on behalf of the company.
Mastering Absence Management
Wednesday 28th January 2025 - Limerick
Thursday 5th February 2026 – Galway
Tuesday 31st March 2026 – Waterford
Overview
Managing employee absence presents a range of challenges – from navigating employment legislation to ensuring fair procedures and responding to situations in a timely and consistent manner. While each absence case presents its own set of circumstances, applying the principles consistently is essential.
This focused half-day masterclass will unpack the challenges of absence management and offer practical tools to handle cases with clarity, fairness, and confidence. Led by experienced Employer Relations Executives—who advise employers daily and represent them before the WRC—participants will gain valuable insights into best practices, legal compliance, and effective strategies for managing both short-term and long-term absence in the workplace.
Approach
Masterclass participants are encouraged to express their views and experiences. The Masterclass facilitates participant discussion to ensure a thorough understanding of the key points and their application. Real life case studies/exercises will be used to ensure a real practical understanding.
At the end of the Masterclass participants will:
• Have a clear understanding of the legal framework governing employee absence
• Be able to implement effective procedures for managing sporadic and long-term absence with consistency and fairness
• Be equipped to strengthen internal policies, systems, and documentation to support proactive absence management.
This Masterclass is for:
Managers and HR Professionals who are responsible for or who support in the handling of employee absence.
Mastering the Probation Process
Tuesday 20th January 2026 – Waterford
Wednesday 25th March 2026 – Limerick
Overview
Managing probation periods can be challenging – particularly when balancing legal requirements, ensuring procedural fairness and addressing performance concerns. The absence of a clear approach and process could result in a step being overlooked and leave an Organisation exposed to risk.
This focussed half day masterclass will break down the probation management process into clear, manageable steps. Led by experienced Employer Relations Executive, who support Employers on probation queries and represent employers in the WRC on a daily basis, participants will be equipped with a clear understanding of how to manage a probation process effectively from beginning to end.
Approach
Masterclass participants are encouraged to express their views and experiences. The Masterclass facilitates participant discussion to ensure a thorough understanding of the key points and their application. Real life case studies/exercises will be used to ensure a real practical understanding.
At the end of the Masterclass participants will:
• Understand the legal principles which underpin the probation process
• Be equipped with a structured approach to managing probation from start to finish
• Be prepared to navigate unexpected issues and complications that may arise during probation.
This Masterclass is for:
Managers and HR Professionals who are responsible for or who support in the oversight or management of a probation process.
Mastering the Art of Workplace Investigations
Tuesday 27th January 2026 – Cork
Thursday 12th February 2026– Limerick
Thursday 26th March 2026– Galway
Overview
Conducting workplace investigations can be complex –particularly when navigating legal requirements, ensuring procedural fairness, and responding to issues promptly and thoroughly. Without a clear and consistent investigative process, critical steps may be missed, increasing the likelihood of disputes, legal challenges, and reputational damage to an organisation.
This focussed half-day masterclass will break down the investigation process into clear, actionable stages. Led by an experienced Employer Relations Executives —who advise employers daily and represents them before the WRC—participants will gain a practical understanding of how to effectively conduct investigations.
Approach
Masterclass participants are encouraged to express their views and experiences. The Masterclass facilitates participant discussion to ensure a thorough understanding of the key points and their application. Real life case studies/exercises will be used to ensure a real practical understanding.
At the end of the Masterclass participants will:
• Be equipped with the skills and knowledge to conduct investigations in line with legislation and the rules of natural justice.
• Know the best practice approach to dealing with issues in the area of conducting investigations
• Informed of latest caselaw and be aware of the latest issues that are arising in this space.
This Masterclass is for
Managers and HR professionals who wish to improve their knowledge, competencies and skills in the area of conducting and managing investigations. This masterclass is also suitable for line managers with responsibility for facilitating and managing investigations.
Managing Underperforming Employees
Wednesday 21st January 2026 – Galway
Tuesday 10th February 2026– Cork
Overview
Managing employee underperformance can be challenging – especially when balancing legal obligations, maintaining procedural fairness, and addressing performance issues in a timely and effective manner. Without a structured and consistent approach, key steps may be overlooked, increasing the risk of disputes and potential reputational harm to the organisation.
This focussed half-day masterclass will break down the performance management process into clear, actionable stages. Led by an experienced Employer Relations Executives —who advise employers daily and represents them before the WRC—participants will gain a practical understanding of how to manage underperformance effectively and compliantly, from initial identification to final outcome.
Approach
Masterclass participants are encouraged to express their views and experiences. The Masterclass facilitates participant discussion to ensure a thorough understanding of the key points and their application. Real life case studies/exercises will be used to ensure a real practical understanding.
At the end of the Masterclass participants will:
• Be equipped with the skills and knowledge to manage employee underperformance in line with legislation.
• Know the best practice approach to dealing with issues in the area of employee underperformance.
• Informed of latest caselaw and be aware of the latest issues that are arising in this space.
This Masterclass is for:
Managers and HR professionals who wish to improve their knowledge, competencies and skills in the area of performance management, specifically managing underperforming employees. This masterclass is also suitable for line managers with responsibility for facilitating and managing performance improvement plans.