Meet the team
HR Management Guide
Our team of HR experts and solicitors from Ibec's Knowledge Centre and Employment Law Services have unsurpassed experience in employment law, HR solutions and compliance and continuously monitor the relevant laws and regulatory environment. The team provides the information in practical and easy to understand terms which makes this guide unique. Please scroll below to meet our team of contributors and feel free to let us know your feedback.

Maeve McElwee Director of Employer Relations
Welcome to Ibec’s HR Management Guide, Ireland’s leading resource for HR practitioners and business owners. Our new online guide contains the most up to date guidance on employment law and HR best practice and procedures. It incorporates the recent changes in employment legislation including the Workplace Relations Act 2015. With added functionality including featured news articles, popular search and trending functions, the guide has been mobile enabled for use on all devices. As we continue to review and update the guide, we hope that it enhances the operation of your business and is an invaluable asset to your organisation.

IR/HR Knowlege Centre
Fiona Higgins, Senior Manager IR/HR Knowledge Centre
The Employer Relations Knowledge Centre is responsible for the production and updating of the HR Management Guide. We provide Ibec members with a direct telephone/email information and guidance service on how to ensure compliance with employment law and practice on a range of issues such as recruitment, absenteeism, disciplinary issues, contract queries, pay and dismissal. Stay updated on changes to employment legislation, case law and HR trends with our monthly electronic HR link. For further information, contact us at knowledgecentre@ibec.ie.
Meet the contributors

Lorraine Parkes
Senior Employee Relations Executive - IR/HR Knowledge Centre
A graduate of DCU and UCD, Lorraine works as an Executive in Ibec’s IR/HR Knowledge Centre which provides a specialist advisory and information service to members on employment law, HR and other employment related issues affecting HR management.

Briana Duffy
ER Executive - Knowledge Centre
Briana joined Ibec on the Industrial Relations graduate programme in 2016 having graduated with a Masters degree in HR Management from DCU. As well as providing advice and support to Ibec members in the Knowledge Centre, Briana assists in member communications through HR Link and the HRM Guide.

Sarah McSharry
Employee Relations Executive - IR/HR Knowledge Centre
Sarah works as an Employee Relations Executive in Ibec since 2006. Sarah graduated with a Masters of Arts from the University of Aberdeen and is also a graduate of the National College of Ireland with a Diploma in Employment Law and Certificate in Training and Development. With a strong background in HR best practice and employee relations she provides expert advice and support to members.

Rhona Murphy
Head of Employment Law Services
Rhona Murphy heads up Ibec's Employment Law Services and is a graduate of Trinity College Dublin, where she obtained a law degree (LLB) before qualifying as a solicitor in 1999. She worked in private practice for a number of years, representing employers, employees and trade unions. She joined IBEC’s Legal and Equality Unit in 2005 and became Head of Employment Law Services in 2007.

Pauline O'Hare
Solicitor IR/HR Services
Pauline O’Hare is a graduate of University College Dublin, where she obtained a Bachelor of Civil Laws degree and a Masters in Commercial Law, before qualifying as a solicitor in February 2006. Pauline previously worked in private practice, representing both employers and employees, before joining Ibec’s legal unit in February 2008 where she advises employers on both contentious and noncontentious matters.

Gillian Verrecchia
Solicitor IR/HR Services
Gillian Verrecchia is a graduate of University College Dublin, where she obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree before qualifying as a solicitor in 2006. Gillian worked in both private practice and Ibec, specialising in employment law advising and representing both employers and employees. She worked in the legal unit of the Equality Authority representing clients before the Equality Tribunal, Labour Court, the High Court and the Supreme Court. Gillian returned to Ibec’s employment law services unit in 2014.

Ciara McGuone
ER Executive - Knowledge Centre
Ciara holds a BCL in Law and Politics from the National University of Ireland Maynooth and a Masters in Law (LLM) from Trinity College Dublin. She has completed a Diploma in Human Resource Management in National College of Ireland and is a Certified Mediator. Ciara joined Ibec in 2016 as an HR Executive with the Small Firms Association and later as an IR/HR Executive in the Knowledge Centre. Ciara's areas of specialism are workplace investigations, Industrial relations and employment practice. Ciara is contactable on 01 6051555 or ciara.mcguone@ibec.ie.

Claire Hellen
HR Strategy Specialist
Claire Hellen is the HR Strategy Specialist in Ibec. She is responsible for identifying, coordinating and enabling service to Ibec member companies in the area of strategic HR. These services include publications, updates and briefings. Claire has extensive experience in providing services to clients in the finance, technology and health sectors across Ibec. Claire has worked with Ibec since 2005 and during that time she has advised and represented clients at all employment law third parties and across a variety of sectors. She holds a BComm, an MBS in Human Resource Management from the Smurfit Business School, a Diploma in Employment Law and a Diploma in Executive Coaching. Claire is contactable on 01 6051592 or email claire.hellen@ibec.ie

Linda Reid
ER Executive - Knowledge Centre
Linda joined the team in 2016 from the retail and financial services sectors where she held a number of HRM roles. She is a graduate of the National College of Ireland where she obtained a BA in Human Resource Management and holds a British Psychological Society Certificate in Occupational testing and Personality assessment. She has extensive experience in performance management and development. Linda provides expert advice on HR best practise and policy and employment law. She has been involved in supporting members on the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Linda is contactable on 01 6051577 or email linda.reid@ibec.ie

Nichola Harkin
Employment law Solicitor
Nichola is a graduate of University College Dublin, where she obtained a Bachelor of Civil Laws (BCL) (International) degree and the London School of Economics, where she obtained a Masters of Law (LLM) (Employment Law). She qualified as a solicitor in 2013. Nichola previously worked in private practice for a number of years. Nichola has been involved in the development of employers guides on the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Nichola is contactable on 01 6051635 or email nichola.harkin@ibec.ie.