Course overview
Advance your career path in Industrial Relations with this applied learning Diploma in Industrial Relations. Acquire the theory, law and the practical skills required for those who work in industrial relations, human resource management and related areas.
Ibec’s industrial relations programme is widely acknowledged as Ireland’s number one learning experience of its kind. Our trainers share Ibec’s insights from our daily support, representation and advisory capacity across multiple industries, to inform our training programmes so they are updated on a continuous basis.
What you'll learn
- An understanding of the legal framework surrounding industrial relations in Ireland, so that participants can demonstrate this in third-party negotiations
- A range of effective negotiation and conflict management skills that can be demonstrated in practice
- Understanding of what constitutes industrial action, whether it is lawful, what liabilities may arise for the employee/trade union, and what, if any, remedies are open to the employer
- Understanding of express and implied terms that bind the employer/employee relationship
- Skills in the areas of communications and conflict management
- The opportunity to prepare a case, including a written submission to a third-party hearing
Recognition
Study method
- Blended
- In-class
- Online
Locations
- Dublin
Duration study load
- 12 sessions
Professional recognition
Accredited by: Technological University Dublin
Assessment
This programme is delivered over a series of 12 full-day sessions spread over 7 months to fit in with a full-time work schedule. There are a number of activities and case studies used throughout the programme, which ensure that all of the learning is applied in a real way.
The programme leader encourages group discussion and involvement throughout each session, ensuring opportunities for questions and real issues are discussed at all times. Best practice examples in all areas of Industrial Relations will be highlighted and discussed throughout the programme.
To achieve CPD Level 6 NFQ accreditation by TU Dublin, this course is assessed by exam and assignment submissions. Assessments are an integral part of the programme and count towards end-of-year results as follows:
- Closed book exam 50% Project (3,500 – 4,500 words) 20%
- Group assignment 20%
- Learning journal and class participation 10%
70% attendance is required
Testimonials
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Evelyn RyanCPD Diploma in Industrial Relations"I found the Diploma in Industrial Relations gave practical learning and support for third party preparation and involvement. The collation of a submission and participation in a labour court hearing was extremely useful."
Start dates
- Fri 3 Oct 2025 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Ibec, Dublin Head Office
- Fri 17 Oct 2025 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Online
- Fri 31 Oct 2025 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Online
- Fri 14 Nov 2025 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Online
- Fri 28 Nov 2025 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Online
- Fri 16 Jan 2026 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Online
- Fri 30 Jan 2026 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Online
- Fri 13 Feb 2026 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Ibec, Dublin Head Office
- Fri 27 Feb 2026 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Online
- Fri 13 Mar 2026 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Online
- Fri 27 Mar 2026 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Ibec, Dublin Head Office
- Fri 17 Apr 2026 | 09:30 – 16:30 | Online
Delivery
Delivery Style
- Programme Starting 13 May 2025- Blended [3 days classroom (07 October 2025 & 04 November 2025) / 9 days online]. Venue for classroom days: Ibec, 84-86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
- Programme Starting 03 October 2025- Blended [3 days classroom (03 October 2025, 13 February 2026 & 27 March 2026) / 9 days online]. Venue for classroom days: Ibec, 84-86 Lower Baggot Street, Dublin 2
Approach
This programme is delivered over a series of 12 full-day sessions spread over 7 months to fit in with a full-time work schedule. There are a number of activities and case studies used throughout the programme, which ensure that all of the learning is applied in a real way.
The programme leader encourages group discussion and involvement throughout each session, ensuring opportunities for questions and real issues are discussed at all times. Best practice examples in all areas of Industrial Relations will be highlighted and discussed throughout the programme.
Who's it for?
Managers and executives who want to develop their knowledge of industrial relations.
Those attending are therefore required to be working in or moving to the area of HR, IR, ER, or management.
Those who have undertaken a Certificate in Managing Employee Relations, Mediation skills, or other relevant courses. This programme is focused on dealing with trade unions and using the services of the WRC and the Labour Court.
Subjects
- What is Industrial Relations?
- Factors that have shaped IR in Ireland
- The emergence of Trade Unions
- Role of Theory in IR
- State approaches to TU’s
- Trade Union Movement & Employer Associations
- The IR Institutions
- Industrial Relations Acts, 1990
- Contracts of employment
- Fixed Term Workers Act
- Agency Workers
- Protective Leaves
- Redundancy
- Employment Equality Legislation
- Bullying & Harassment
- Discipline & Dismissals
- Dealing with Absenteeism, Incompetence & Misconduct
- Definition and objective of negotiations
- Strategic choices
- The stages/phases/types of negotiations
- Role play – local level negotiations
- Referral of dispute to the WRC – Conciliation Conference
- Referral of disputes to the Labour Court
- Drafting a written submission
- Role play – Mock Labour Court Hearing
- Understanding your style
- Assertive and communication skills
- Reducing conflict
- Handling difficult people
- Practice and feedback
- What is collective bargaining?
- Trade Union Recognition
- Obligation on employers to negotiate?
- Disputes in relation to recognition
- IR Acts 1946-1990 / 2001-2015
- Recent Case Law
- Registered Employment Agreements [REAs] and Sectoral Employment Orders [SEOs]
- Defining change management
- The people part of change
- Common change pitfalls
- Types of organisational change
- Effective teamwork to deliver change
- Change models
- Implementing change
- Strategy and change
About Ibec Academy
We are the specialists who deal with the thorny issues faced by employers every day in key areas such as Human Resource Management, Industrial Relations, Employee Relations, Management, Employment Law, and Occupational Safety and Health.
We advise and represent companies in these areas every day, and this knowledge and practical know-how then informs all of the programmes we design and run.
The learning is based on real examples, which teach you how to get things right the first time and avoid mistakes that are costly and time-consuming to resolve. Our facilitators are experts in their fields, which brings the learning to life and gives participants practical takeaways, insights, and action plans that can be implemented in the workplace.
