Richard has worked exclusively with schools and education charities both locally and nationally for several years now. He advises on a wide range of employment law issues.
Clients regularly turn to Richard to assist them with safeguarding matters and inspection compliance - often at very short notice. He is acutely aware of the fundamental significance of dealing with such issues quickly, fairly and accurately. Richard has attended several schools during inspection to provide on the spot guidance and advice, and works closely with colleagues in our Regulatory Compliance team.
Working in the education sector has also allowed Richard to develop an interest, and practice, in niche areas such as safer recruitment, safeguarding and salary sacrifice schemes for school fees. He now thinks of a year in school terms rather than months - although he hasn't yet managed to persuade the firm to allow him an extended summer holiday.
Richard enjoys the opportunity employment law offers to combine black letter law with common (and not so common) workplace situations that are experienced by many people.
He also welcomes the opportunity to work closely with governors, trustees and senior management teams to develop and implement strategies with the aim of achieving the outcome that clients want.
Year of qualification - 2006
Independent school head: 'I am grateful for the efficient, clear and wise advice received from yourself during this case and believe this helped considerably in dealing with a difficult situation which was causing significant problems for our pupils'.
Chair of Governors: 'I would just like to thank you very much for all the help you provided in bringing this matter to a successful conclusion… this was one of the most difficult cases that we have had to deal with…you have helped us to negotiate our way through these difficult circumstances and you gave us very wise counsel as regards suitable responses…From the perspective of maintaining everyone’s sanity and allowing us all to return to our normal jobs, it was essential that this matter was brought to an end. Your excellent advice and recommended strategy has enabled this to happen. Many thanks for the enormous hard work and effort that you put in. '
Richard is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association. He has previously worked in London and Dubai, is a regular footballer and road cyclist and attempts to play golf.
Richard has written articles for several education sector publications on a range of education employment subjects.