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21May, 2026

The Rochdale Talent Briefing: Employment Law & Upskilling

Summary

Staying on top of employment law while building a future-ready workforce isn’t easy. At The Rochdale Talent Briefing: Employment Law & Upskilling, we’ll bring together expert insights and practical solutions to help you navigate both. From the latest legal updates to ways you can strengthen your workforce through upskilling and apprenticeships, this breakfast session is designed to give you clarity and confidence in your next steps.

Speaker

Kirsty Wilkinson

Operations Manager

Guest Speakers

Nathan Finn

Nathan Finn

Employer Skills Advisor - Rochdale Training

Claire McLean

Claire McLean

Founder/CEO Realise HR

About this event

The employment landscape is evolving. 

Talent shortages aren't going away, and most businesses are under pressure to do more with less. 

Sound familiar? 

Join us for a focused breakfast session designed to help employers navigate change and make smarter workforce decisions.

With ongoing updates to employment law and increasing pressure to attract, retain and develop talent, this event brings together expert insight and practical guidance you can apply immediately.

This session will give you:

  • A clear understanding of upcoming employment law changes
  • Practical insight into apprenticeship funding and workforce development
  • Opportunities to reduce costs, including National Insurance savings
  • Ideas to strengthen your talent pipeline and retain key staff
  • The chance to connect with other local employers

As well as breakfast!

Our speakers, Nathan and Claire, are here to help guide you with clear, practical insights. 

About our speakers

Nathan Finn - Employer Skills Advisor at Rochdale Training

I’m an Employer Skills Advisor at Rochdale Training, where I’ve been proud to build my career over the past 12 years. I began my journey as an apprentice and progressed through roles in recruitment, gaining valuable insight into both learner development and employer needs, before moving into my current position.

Today, I work closely with local businesses to identify skills gaps and create tailored training solutions that support workforce growth and long-term success. My experience across multiple areas of the organisation allows me to bridge the gap between employers and training provision, ensuring both achieve meaningful, measurable outcomes.

Nathan will be covering:

  • Maximising Apprenticeship funding opportunities
  • Workforce Development Options through the Apprenticeship Programme  
  • National Insurance Contribution Savings and other key benefits

Claire McLean - Founder and CEO of Realise HR

Claire founded Realise HR nearly 10 years ago after a very successful HR career within a variety of sectors. Claire started her career with the Royal Bank of Scotland in Edinburgh then progressed to HR management of teams within global businesses before moving into HR Director roles where she focused on strategic people planning and building competent teams to support company growth. She has a passion for organisational effectiveness and the part people play in it. As number 25 HR influencer in the UK Claire takes pride in supporting as many businesses as possible to navigate the complexities of the HR world. To relax at the weekend Claire loves to walk through the woods with her family and Max the border terrier, and enjoys good food.

Claire will be covering:

  • Key employment law updates you need to be aware of
  • Practical insights into what this means for your business
  • How to stay compliant and avoid unnecessary risk

You'll gain:

  • Insights into upcoming legislation
  • Understanding of key risks and compliance requirements
  • Practical steps to stay ahead and grow your business

Spaces are limited, so register now to secure your place!

Date and time

Thu 21 May, 2026
08:30 am Two hours

Location

Rochdale Training. 1 Fishwick St, Rochdale OL16 5NA