Our first event yesterday (Dec 10th), sponsored by PTSB at their Dublin Head office, and co-ordinated by Sustainable HRM Skillnet, was a great success. We had a full house to hear from our panel of experts on Workplace Mediation: early intervention where informal steps do not resolve the dispute; how to appoint a mediator; what to expect of mediation and how the Mediation Act 2017 applies.

Fredericka Sheppard - Voltedge Consulting & IPMO Board Member

Fredericka Sheppard, an industry expert and Chair of the IPMO Workplace Committee, kicked off the event with an over-view of workplace mediation and key points for HR to consider. The panel discussion was moderated by Ercus Stewart SC Member of the Inner Bar and Board member of the IPMO with input from Dr Róisín O’Shea Chair of the IPMO, and experienced workplace mediator, Ronan Murray Senior Employee Relations & Industrial Relations Manager PTSB, and Karen Killalea Partner and Head of Employment Maples Group Ireland.

Thanks to Sara Mullally, Sustainable HRM Skillnet for making this happen and to PTSB for hosting the event. Also in attendance were IPMO Board members Shane Dempsey (Deputy Chair), Bill Holohan SC and Lisa Lingwood.

The IPMO have developed a practical guide for HR on the use of mediation for workplace disputes which will be provided to all attendees. We are looking forward to organising more events for HR in 2026 where there will be a further opportunity to hear from experts in the field.

IPMO Board members with (far left) Ronan Murray - Head of Employee Relations, PTSB - and (far right) Karen Killalea - Partner, Maples Group.