Why this Network?
In 2026, Employee and Industrial Relations is a board-level risk.
From implementation of the UK’s Employment Rights Act and European Works Council reforms, to managing the shifting union landscape and the unchartered territory of AI-driven workforce changes: leaders are in the hot seat.
CRF’s ER/IR network combines exclusive events, research, advisory support and learning to build capability and organisational resilience.
2026 Agenda
- 4 February Webinar: Employment Rights Bill – Getting Ahead
- 11 February: Dinner (Chatham House Rule applies)
- 5 March Event: From Policy to Practice: Implementing the Employment Rights Bill
- 20 May Webinar: European Works Council Reform in Action: The New Directive
- 16-17 September: CRF Learning: Creating a ‘Win-Win’ Employee Relations Strategy (Member organisations are eligible for one complimentary place per year)
- 21 October: Event and Lunch – Going Viral: Social Media, AI and the new ER playbook
- December: Dinner and Year Ahead Planning (Chatham House Rule applies)
The ROI of Membership:
- Strategic Foresight: Stay ahead of legislative change, case law developments, and policy trends before they hit your P&L.
- Confidential benchmarking: Exchange solutions with senior peers and policy makers in a closed-door environment.
- Expert access: To our legal partners and Strategic Dimensions’ ER/IR Interim Talent pool
- Build capability with immediate value: Membership includes one place on the CRF Learning ER Programme (Value: £2,500).
Who is the network for?
This network is open to HR and ER leaders, Legal Advisors, and anyone managing Employee Relations or navigating Industrial Relations disputes.
Whether in a unionised or non-unionised environment, the insights, learning and connections offered will be invaluable. Membership of the network gives access to the Leader and their broader team, to be used as appropriate.
From Voice to Value: Positioning ERGs in the Employment Relations Climate
OverviewThis article explores the role of Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) in today’s evolving employment relations climate. Now an established part of organisational life, the key question for HR leaders is less about whether ERGs should exist, and more about how they can be governed to maximise value and minimise risk. Drawing on research and case…
Annual Membership Includes
- Exclusive in-person, online and dinner events for networking, learning and advisory support
- Research papers combining academic input, case studies and practitioner views
- Free place on CRF’s annual ER Learning Programme (value c. £2,500)
- Discounted access to the Strategic Dimension’s Interim ER/IR Talent pool
- Legal updates and knowledge sharing from a leading UK Employment Law Firm
Investment required
£8,000
For existing CRF Members
£9,500
For non-CRF-members
If you are interested in attending any of the upcoming events, or for more details, please contact Melissa Bull or complete the form below.
Resources
Video: A Collaborative Approach to Union Rep Succession
From Voice to Value: Positioning ERGs in the Employment Relations Climate
Post Meeting Notes: The New Deal at Work Advisory Breakfast
CRF Learning: Creating a ‘Win-Win’ Employee Relations Strategy
Network Chairs
Led by industry experts: The network is co-led by John Whelan MBE (former UK HRD at BAE Systems) and Nick Dalton (former EVP HR at Unilever) – both seasoned leaders in managing complex ER/IR scenarios.
John Whelan MBE
Director
CRF
Nick Dalton
Speaker, Author and Advocate & ER/IR Network Lead
CRF
