Gemma Woodhouse

Practice Areas

A partner in the Reading office, Gemma advises on both contentious and non-contentious employment law and has a keen interest in all aspects of discrimination law. Since qualification in 2007, she has been involved with a significant Court of Appeal decision, a number of tribunal hearings, and appeals to the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT).

She provides corporate support on business transfers and reorganisations and advises on the terms of compromise agreements, employment contracts and employee handbooks. She also advises clients on the implications of TUPE and the terms of commercial outsourcing arrangements.

Gemma specialises in advising independent schools and academies on HR and education-specific issues including safeguarding responsibilities and compliance requirements. She provides training to schools on employment updates, safeguarding requirements and management of staff including performance management. She also hosts forums for HR directors and managers within independent schools.

Her clients describe her as having a 'good tactical approach to dealing with HR issues', being 'very swift with her advice' and as an adviser who 'acts in the client’s best interests'.

Professional Memberships

Employment Lawyers’ Association

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

Publications

Regular contributor to the ISBA Bursar’s Review.