LAWYER PROFILE
Gemma Woodhouse

Gemma Woodhouse

UK 2026

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Ranked in 2 practice areas

About

Provided by Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP

UK

Practice Areas

A partner in the Reading office, Gemma advises on both contentious and non-contentious employment law and has a keen interest in all aspects of discrimination law. Since qualification in 2007, she has been involved with a significant Court of Appeal decision, a number of tribunal hearings, and appeals to the Employment Appeal Tribunal (EAT).

She provides corporate support on business transfers and reorganisations and advises on the terms of compromise agreements, employment contracts and employee handbooks. She also advises clients on the implications of TUPE and the terms of commercial outsourcing arrangements.

Gemma specialises in advising independent schools and academies on HR and education-specific issues including safeguarding responsibilities and compliance requirements. She provides training to schools on employment updates, safeguarding requirements and management of staff including performance management. She also hosts forums for HR directors and managers within independent schools.

Her clients describe her as having a 'good tactical approach to dealing with HR issues', being 'very swift with her advice' and as an adviser who 'acts in the client’s best interests'.

Professional Memberships

Employment Lawyers’ Association

Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development

Publications

Regular contributor to the ISBA Bursar’s Review.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Education: Institutions (Schools) - UK-wide

Band 2
Band 2

Individual Editorial

Gemma Woodhouse is an employment lawyer based in Reading who has a noteworthy reputation for her work in the independent school sector. She leads the education team, assisting clients with both contentious and non-contentious work, including staff dismissals, workplace investigations and pension issues.

Employment - Thames Valley

Band 3
Band 3

Individual Editorial

Gemma Woodhouse is known for her expert guidance on settlement agreements for senior executives and a range of TUPE-related questions. She is experienced across a range of employment tribunal matters, notably allegations of discrimination or unfair dismissal and whistle-blowing litigation.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Gemma is excellent, and I can highly recommend her.

    Education: Institutions (Schools)Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession
  • Gemma is an excellent adviser, with very strong knowledge of our sector.

    Education: Institutions (Schools)Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession
  • Gemma provides us with effective, timely and clear guidance at all times. Her support is invaluable.

    Education: Institutions (Schools)Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession
  • Gemma Woodhouse is a pleasure to work with, very calm under pressure and is able to explain things to clients in an accessible way.

    Education: Institutions (Schools)Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession
  • Gemma is an excellent legal business partner who provides exceptional customer service, regularly going the extra mile.

    Education: Institutions (Schools)Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession
  • Gemma's knowledge, pragmatism and commercial savvy are all utterly outstanding. She is a credit to both her firm and her profession, and should be lauded as such.

    EmploymentChambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Ranked Individuals at Penningtons Manches Cooper LLP (115)

East Anglia

London (Firms)

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