Experts to Speak at Dispute Resolution and Workplace Mediation Conference, April ë07

The leader of the Independent review into the Governmentís dispute resolution regulations, Michael Gibbons, will be speaking at Symposium Events Dispute Resolution and Workplace Mediation conference, which is taking place on the 17th and 18th of April in Central London.

The DTI recently commissioned a review of the roll and regulation of dispute resolution in the workplace. The existing regulations have been widely criticised for being badly drafted and causing the costs of disputes within organisations to rocket. Michael Gibbons, a member of the DTI Better Regulation Commission and Ministerial Challenge Panel, was chosen to lead the review because of his experience and expertise in dispute regulation. He is chair of the Hertfordshire Family Mediation Service and was, until February 2002, director of UK communications at PowerGen.

Securing Mr Gibbons to give the keynote address was greeted by Symposium Events director, Paul Gray, as a significant coup, ëWe are very pleased to have someone of Mr Gibbonsí position speaking at our event. It is a great opportunity for our delegates to be able to get an update on the reviewís likely recommendations and more importantly they will have a chance to give their feedback on the reviewís direction to Mr Gibbons.

Mr Gibbons is one of many expert speakers at the Dispute Resolution conference. Also speaking is Baroness Ashton of Upholland, Parliamentary Under Secretary for the Department for Constitutional Affairs, who will be discussing the tribunals system, the chief executive of the Centre of Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR), Karl Mackie, internationally recognised as one of the leading practitioners and experts in mediation and Rita Donaghy CBE, chair of Acas Council, who has a long and distinguished career in employment relations.

With over 100,000 workplace disputes going to tribunal in 2005/06, having the procedures in place to resolve workplace disputes at an early stage reduces stress for staff and saves employers considerable time and money. The event will bring together HR practitioners and alternative dispute resolution professionals to explore the possibilities of simplifying workplace dispute for the benefit of both employer and employee.

To find out more about the event visit www.symposium-events.co.uk or telephone 020 7403 3990.