The "CIPD: Employment Law & Ethical HR Practice" course offers a comprehensive introduction to the legal and ethical frameworks that underpin effective human resource management in the United Kingdom. Beginning with an overview of employment law, learners explore the core principles governing employment relationships and the importance of ethical standards in supporting fair, transparent, and lawful HR practices. Emphasis is placed on how strong ethical foundations enhance trust, organisational reputation, and long-term business success.

The course examines legal and ethical considerations throughout the entire employment lifecycle. From recruitment and selection to onboarding, probation management, and lawful termination procedures, learners gain detailed knowledge of compliance requirements and best practices for treating employees fairly. The course ensures students are confident in drafting contracts, managing early employment processes, and applying consistent, lawful approaches to workforce transitions.

Equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) is a major focus, with in-depth coverage of the Equality Act 2010, practical steps to avoid discrimination, and strategies to create genuinely inclusive workplaces. Students learn to recognise and address bias and microaggressions, helping them lead initiatives that promote fairness, diversity, and belonging across all levels of the organisation.

Managing workplace disputes and grievances is another vital skill developed through the course. Learners study disciplinary procedures, grievance handling aligned with ACAS Codes of Practice, and alternative dispute resolution (ADR) methods. This knowledge empowers HR professionals to resolve conflicts legally, ethically, and in a way that protects organisational harmony and employee rights.

The course further explores statutory employee rights and protections, including managing sickness, disability, mental health, and wellbeing. Ethical HR practice is linked directly to creating supportive, safe, and inclusive workplace cultures that respect employee dignity and foster organisational success.

Ethical leadership and corporate social responsibility (CSR) are highlighted as critical components of modern HR management. Learners discover how to embed ethical values into policies and practices, manage ethical dilemmas in people management, and drive positive social change through HR strategies. Future trends in ethical HR are discussed, ensuring learners are prepared to lead in a rapidly evolving professional landscape.

The programme concludes with real-world application through case studies and practical projects. Students analyse lessons from employment law cases, apply ethical frameworks to HR practice scenarios, and complete a final project drafting a professional, legally sound, and ethically robust HR policy.