Sarah Gilzean
PartnerSarah is an accredited specialist in discrimination law, one of only fourteen in Scotland.
Sarah is a leading voice in employment and discrimination law in Scotland. She is highly regarded for her expertise in equal pay, discrimination matters and industrial relations, and is regularly instructed by clients across the public and private sectors.
She is a member of the Law Society of Scotland’s Equalities Law Reform Committee, serving as its Convener for several years, which reflects her influence in shaping policy and best practice in this complex and evolving area of law.
An accredited specialist in both employment and discrimination law, Sarah is known for her practical, plain-speaking advice and her focus on helping clients achieve their goals. As well as advising on discrimination and equal pay issues, she regularly assists clients with Employment Tribunal matters, trade union issues, senior exits, TUPE (which protects employees’ rights when a business or service is transferred to a new employer), redundancy planning, whistleblowing, disciplinary and grievance procedures, and contractual disputes.
She also has particular expertise in the education sector, where she supports higher education institutions and independent schools on a range of matters, including a wide range of discrimination issues that can arise in education, particularly in relation to accessibility and disability discrimination. Sarah regularly advises service providers and third sector organisations in relation to compliance with the Equality Act in the delivery of services, and also has expertise in assisting public authorities with compliance with the PSED (Public Sector Equality Duty).
Sarah is a frequent contributor to publications on discrimination matters and is a sought-after speaker at conferences and training events, where she shares her insights on employment and equality law.
Sarah is ranked by Chambers UK for Employment Law and recognised as a notable practitioner in Education. She is also named a Next Generation Partner by The Legal 500.
Areas of Expertise
Advisory Work
Employment Tribunals
Employment Law for Employers
Discrimination & Equality
Employment Law Training
Education
Employment Advice for Employees
Discrimination & Equality Advice
Unfair Dismissal Advice
Professional Regulatory & Disciplinary Law
Employment Tribunal Claims
Redundancy Advice
Settlement Agreements
Executive Dismissals & Negotiations
Video
Employment Rights Act Update (Part 2): New harassment protection duties and equality action plans
This webinar explored upcoming changes to employers' duties to prevent workplace harassment, including the requirement to take all reasonable steps to prevent sexual harassment and new liability for third-party harassment from 30 October. It also covered practical compliance measures and how larger employers can prepare for mandatory equality action plans.
Video
Employment Rights Act Update (Part 1): Important October changes
This webinar provided an update on the latest developments relating to the Employment Rights Act, focusing on key employment law changes due to take effect in October. It covered recent progress on ERA consultations, guidance and UK Government announcements, as well as changes to employment tribunal time limits, workplace harassment laws, trade union rights, electronic balloting and tipping legislation. The session also looked ahead to upcoming employment law reforms and what employers should expect next.
Why employers should pay attention to the EHRC's updated Code of Practice for Services, Public Functions and Associations
The article outlines the EHRC's updated Code of Practice, providing new guidance on equality law following recent legal developments. It highlights why employers should review policies, training and customer-facing practices to ensure compliance and prepare for future workplace guidance.