About

Adrian David Francis Tees, BHK, MA

Qualified Arbitrator

Experience

Experienced Conflict Resolution and Labour Relations professional with over 20 years dedicated to the HR profession. My current experience operating as a neutral includes addressing:

  • Bullying, Harassment and Discrimination in accordance with WorkSafe BC policy and the BC Human Rights Code.

  • Sexual and Gender Based Violence and Misconduct in accordance with the BC Sexual Violence and Misconduct Policy Act.

  • Safe Disclosure policy (whistle blower) in accordance with the Public Interest Disclosure Act (PIDA).

  • Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (FIPPA) requests and issues.

Furthermore, I am an experienced executive leader in the following relevant areas:

  • Lead Negotiator for all collective bargaining as per the Labour Relations Code of BC.

  • Executive leader responsible for labour and employee relations and the resolution of all labour disputes at the university. This occurs in the context of both the Labour Relations Code of BC and the BC common law, as well as the Public Sector Employers Act and its regulations.

Education

  • Master of Philosophy, Art and Social Thought | 2019 | European Graduate School

  • Bachelor of Human Kinetics | 2003 | University of British Columbia

Training + Certifications

  • Collaborative Conflict Resolution in Advanced Mediation and Negotiations | 2024 | Justice Institute of BC

  • The alternative Dispute Resolution Institute of BC Arbitrator Training Course| 2024 | Royal Roads University

  • Violence Risk Assessment | 2016 | Protect International

  • Interest Based Labour Management | BC Labour Relations Board

  • Bargaining Academy | Post- Secondary Employers Association

  • Chief Negotiator Training | 2019 + 2022 | PreThink + Faculty Bargaining Services

Cultural Competencies

  • San’yas Anti-Racism Indigenous Cultural Safety Training Program | 2019 | San’yas

  • Anti-Racism Workshop | 2021 | Canadian Race Relations Foundation

  • Four Seasons of Reconciliation | 2021 | First Nations University

Work History Snapshot

  • Associate Vice-President, Human Resources + Privacy Officer | Emily Carr University of Art + Design | July 2015 to Present

  • Director, Human Resources | Provincial Health Services Authority | April 2014 to July 2015

  • Manager, Human Resources Consulting Services | Provincial Health Services Authority | November 2013 to March 2014

  • Team Lead, Human Resources Consultant | Provincial Health Services Authority | March 2011 to Nov 2013

  • Human Resources Consultant | Provincial Health Services Authority | June 2007 to March 2011

  • Disability Management Specialist | Provincial Health Services Authority | February 2004 to June 2007

Diversity in Skill and Being

I am a proud member of the Vancouver LBGTQ2S+ community and have worked to ground my practice respecting the diversity of the various ways in which we show up as human beings. From my early studies in health and wellness at the University of British Columbia, I am mindful of the deep connection that exists between the mind and body, and how we need to view individuals as their whole selves when we support their efforts to resolve conflict through various restorative practices.

Disclosure

It is important to note that I remain employed by the Emily Carr University of Art + Design. My intention to transition into private ADR practice has been fully disclosed to the President + Vice-Chancellor of the university as per the university’s code of conduct. This transition will allow me to support effective succession planning at the university while growing my private practice over time. It will not interfere with my ability to accept work from individuals and organizations needing support with their alternative dispute resolution needs.