Harriet Broughton
Partner

Harriet is a Partner in the Employment Team specialising in the education, charity and faith sectors. She is able to advise on all areas of employment law, taking a commercial and pragmatic approach to resolving matters.

Harriet is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association.

In addition, Harriet has supervised other lawyers in employment cases since 2017.

Professional Experience

Harriet started her career predominantly undertaking claimant tribunal litigation before moving to advising SME employers on all contentious and non-contentious employment matters. During her time at Stone King, Harriet has developed her expertise in the education, charity and faith sectors.

She has particular expertise in handling disputes at senior level, and regularly advises trustees and governors in such issues. She is also regularly involved in complex safeguarding, discrimination and whistleblowing claims.

Harriet is a member of the Employment Lawyers Association and is ranked by independent legal guide Chambers, which says she has “notable experience representing clients in the education and charity sector” and is described as "timely, pragmatic and approachable”.

Sector Experience

Education

Harriet works across the Education Sector, with her primary focus being Independent Schools. She can bring her commercial experience and understanding of Independent School regulations to fully support schools in handling employment matters. She regularly advises on complex safeguarding matters concerning staff, as well as supporting clients with parental complaints, outsourcing services, and grievance and disciplinary matters. Harriet understands the complexities and challenges facing independent schools and tailors her advice accordingly.

Charity

Harriet regularly advises clients in the Charity sectors. She is experienced in advising in complex matters including senior exits, whistleblowing disputes, and organisational change including TUPE, restructure and redundancy. Harriet is adept at balancing Charity Commission guidance and employment law requirements providing clients with clear and pragmatic advice.

Harriet is also a member of Stone King’s Faith Sector and regularly advises organisations of all faiths on employment law matters. She has experience in advising charities on Equality Act exemptions for faith organisations.

Academic Experience

Harriet graduated from Bristol University with a degree in English Literature. She completed her GDL and LPC at the University of the West of England.

Accomplishments

Charity

Harriet advised Trustees on allegations of financial misconduct against a senior member of staff. She advised on the employment law requirements and risks. She supported the Trustees during the independent investigation and disciplinary processes. She further supported the Trustees in agreeing the terms of exit, including considering the value of settlement and content of the reference in light of Charity Commission guidance.

Independent Schools

Harriet supported the Governors in responding to whistleblowing complaints raised by an employee against the senior leadership team and governing body, resulting in independent investigation and appeal processes. Harriet also advised the school on managing disciplinary proceedings given the breakdown in trust and confidence. She is representing the school in employment tribunal proceedings.

What our clients say

"She is reassuring and has a strong ability to build relationships with her clients."

What our clients say

"Harriet is always helpful and easily approachable."
 

What our clients say

"She provides clear advice and guidance."

What our clients say

"Harriet is always quick to respond, knowledgeable and works with the best interest of her clients."
 

What our clients say

“Harriet is timely, pragmatic and approachable.”

Chambers - 2023

What our clients say

 “Harriet has been excellent in her legal advice and her commercial awareness. She made me entirely comfortable that the advice she gave was appropriate and sensible.”

Chambers - 2023