Constance is an Associate in the Schools HR team, specialising in advising on all manner of HR and employment law in the education sector, including schools and multi-academy trusts (MATs).
Constance’s general advisory work includes advising on day-to-day issues such as disciplinaries, grievances, sickness absence, contracts of employment, redundancies and restructures, as well as Equality Act 2010 claims on all protected grounds, and Employment Rights Act 1996 claims such as whistleblowing, unlawful deductions from wages and unfair and constructive dismissal. Constance also advises on drafting contracts of employment, the application of TUPE and the regulatory framework including regularly being instructed to prepare letters of assurance to the DfE, and has experience of drafting policies and procedures.
Constance’s contentious work includes representing school clients in defending employment tribunal claims including complex claims of unlawful discrimination and whistleblowing, and multi-day trials.
Constance is a skilled negotiator and recognises the benefits of an early resolution to workplace disputes. She can spot the key issues when negotiating COT3 and settlement agreements and uses creative and commercial solutions to resolve matters.
Constance has a keen interest in matters involving PR and reputational risks for schools and MATs.
Constance values investing in the client relationship and understanding the driving factors behind decisions. Constance strives to deliver pragmatic and commercial advice in order to achieve the best outcome for clients and she makes herself available to respond to client demands. Constance delivers ad-hoc legal advice over the telephone as part of the dedicated Schools HR helpdesk.
Constance has a keen interest in young people and the future of education. Constance has a track record of mentoring aspiring solicitors to secure training contracts and takes initiative in developing young talent through work experience and involving young people in the political process. She also sits on the Alumni Council of her old school.
Constance regularly delivers training to our clients and most recently co-delivered webinars on restructuring and redundancy processes and managing sickness absence. Constance has demonstrated a talent for finding new opportunities through business development and being proactive in improving internal practices and know-how.
Prior to qualification, Constance completed her training contract at Winckworth Sherwood completing seats in a range of departments, from Employment to Parliamentary. Constance achieved a first-class degree in Politics & Parliamentary studies at the University of Leeds. A real highlight during this time was her placement year spent working for a Congressman in Washington D.C. during the 2016 general election, and for an MP in Westminster during the 2017 general election. Constance is a qualified yoga instructor and delivers weekly classes at her local studio.
Constance’s recent experience includes:
Non-Contentious
Contentious
2025 to present: Associate, Winckworth Sherwood
2023 to 2025: Solicitor, Winckworth Sherwood
2021 to 2023: Trainee Solicitor, Winckworth Sherwood