Geraldine Dunn
JOHANNESBURG 2091
Summary
Advocate Geraldine Dunn boasts a diverse career across legal, conflict resolution, mediation, facilitation, and employment law. She began her professional journey as a state prosecutor before transitioning into arbitration. With over 20 years of experience chairing disciplinary hearings, she applies the law objectively and without bias. Her areas of expertise include Chairing Disciplinary Hearings, Arbitrations, Investigations, Commercial Mediation, Family Law Mediation, and Board conflicts.
Overview
30
30
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Advocate Geraldine Dunn
Private Consultancy
01.2002 - Current
- An independent consultant effectively guiding management teams and providing mentorship to organisational leaders. Chairing senior and complex disciplinary inquiries. She is proficient in South African labor legislation, Law of Evidence, Administrative Law, Interpretation of Statutes, Corporate Governance, Risk, and Ethics, which has strengthened her ability to evaluate legal facts and apply the law with precision. Geraldine is also skilled in investigation, risk management, and legal compliance.
Panellist
Tokiso Pty Ltd
01.2002 - Current
- Presides over adjudicative processes and conducts forensic investigations into various cases, ensuring fair and impartial resolution of disputes while upholding ethical standards and legal principles.
Panellist to Bargaining Councils
MIBCO and Engineering Bargaining Council
01.2002 - Current
- Mediates and arbitrates disputes, drafts settlement agreements, and provides legal advice on labour relations and collective bargaining issues.
Commissioner
CCMA
01.1998 - 02.2012
- Mediated and arbitrated disputes impartially in both full-time and part-time capacities.
IR Manager
Standard Bank
Johannesburg
02.2001 - 02.2002
- Provided labour relations support within the retail banking division, engaged with trade unions, chaired disciplinary hearings, advised managers on legal matters, and coached them in drafting charges.
State Prosecutor
National Prosecuting Authority Kimberley
01.1996 - 12.1997
- Prosecuted criminal cases on behalf of the state, interviewed witnesses, and guided police investigations.
Education
Completed several certificate courses - IEP member training
Accredited course - Commercial Mediation
University of Stellenbosch
01-2013
Accredited Family Mediator - undefined
FAMAC
01-2012
Strategic course - Human Resources
Witwatersrand University
01-2009
Advanced Diploma - Labour Law
University of Johannesburg
01-2004
Certificate - Industrial Relations
Witwatersrand University
01-2002
LLB - undefined
University of the Western Cape
01-1997
School for Legal Practice - undefined
University of Cape Town
01-1996
B Proc - undefined
University of the Western Cape
01-1995
Skills
Fairness and Assertive
Intuitive and Sensitive
Well-reasoned judgments
Seasoned Negotiator
Accurate Legal drafting
Knowledge of SA Labor Legislation
Speaks and writes clearly and effectively
Asks questions to clarify issues
Listens and interprets messages correctly
Identifies priority activities and adjusts as required
Develop clear goals
Time management
Impartiality: The capability to remain neutral and unbiased throughout the hearing
Attention to Detail: Thorough attention to detail in reviewing evidence
Empathy in mediation: An understanding and consideration of the diversity aspects involved
Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to different cases, issues, and dynamics that may arise during a disciplinary hearing
Decision-Making: Sound judgement and the ability to make fair and reasonable decisions based on the evidence presented
Friendly, positive attitude
Teamwork and collaboration
Problem-solving
Certification
- IoDSA certified director
- CD courses
- AWI Workplace course
- Diversity Equity and Inclusion
- Commercial Mediation
Languages
English: First Language
Afrikaans: Second Language, full proficiency
References
- Joy Marie, Lawrence, CEO, Boardvisory, joymarie.lawrence@gmail.com,
- Vanessa, Stanislas, Director of Safeguarding and Incident Management, VStanislas@ippf.org,
- Johan, van Emmers, Head Employee Benefits Implats, Johan.vanEmmenes@implats.co.za,
Affiliations
- Institute of Directors (IoDSA)
- Tokiso Panellist – Tokiso Dispute Resolution Agency
- Accredited Commercial Dispute Resolution Mediator with Conflict Dynamics
- Accredited Arbitrator
- Institute for Economics and Peace (IEP) member
- Rotary Peace Fellow 2025
- Transnet Bargaining Council arbitrator
- Accredited Rule 41A mediator
Chairing Disciplinary Hearings
- Advocate Dunn has extensive experience in litigating involving senior executives across various industries. She is skilled in conflict facilitation, addressing workplace grievances, and conducting forensic investigations into alleged misconduct or ethics-related tip-offs.
- An adept negotiator, she has facilitated discussions with trade unions and has completed numerous CCMA courses. Her dedication to ongoing education reflects her commitment to maintaining industry standards and best practices. For over two decades, she consulted. (Tokiso Dispute Resolution Agency, Conflict Dynamics and Raolla Disputes).
Arbitrations and Mediation
- For over 20 years, Geraldine has been an accredited Arbitrator with the CCMA, and several bargaining councils, including Transnet Bargaining Council and MIBCO.
- She is a certified commercial mediator with Conflict Dynamics, IMI accredited, specialising in employee grievances, labour practices, harassment, and dismissal disputes. Geraldine is an accredited family mediator with FAMAC.
Investigations
Advocate Dunn has led investigations into sexual harassment, Employment Equity discrimination cases, and misconduct, bullying, demonstrating proficiency in negotiations and gender-sensitive interviewing. She has conducted investigations for state-owned enterprises and multinational corporations. Skilled in drafting concise reports and managing investigations from inception to conclusion, she provides detailed reports on systemic findings, analysis, and conclusions, particularly in cases involving fraud or corruption.
Directorship Expertise
As an Associate of Boardvisory, a company that provides training to Board members and resolves Boardroom conflicts, Geraldine brings substantial experience in directorship.
Board membership
- She is a member of the Institute of Directors (IoDSA) and adheres to the King V principles of corporate governance, having completed the BAD course. Her expertise includes leadership, strategic thinking, integrity, emotional intelligence, and accountability.
- She serves on the Disciplinary Panel of the IoD (2024) and holds voluntary board appointments with the University of the Western Cape Fund Alumni Board and The Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Trauma.
Global work and board interventions
- Conducted board intervention for alleged bullying in the boardroom for a global NGO.
- Facilitated a grievance in Amsterdam for a global NGO in the health sector and facilitated mediation for a team.
- Facilitated board intervention for Pension Fund investigating serious allegations and presented a report with recommendations.
- Appointed as lead panelist of a three member panel for a university board to consider complaints amongst board members.
Accomplishments
Speaker at IPPF global conference
Rotary International Peace fellow
Asian Development Bank Mediation Cohort 2
Timeline
Advocate Geraldine Dunn
Private Consultancy
01.2002 - Current
Panellist
Tokiso Pty Ltd
01.2002 - Current
Panellist to Bargaining Councils
MIBCO and Engineering Bargaining Council
01.2002 - Current
IR Manager
Standard Bank
02.2001 - 02.2002
Commissioner
CCMA
01.1998 - 02.2012
State Prosecutor
National Prosecuting Authority Kimberley
01.1996 - 12.1997
Completed several certificate courses - IEP member training
Accredited course - Commercial Mediation
University of Stellenbosch
Accredited Family Mediator - undefined
FAMAC
Strategic course - Human Resources
Witwatersrand University
Advanced Diploma - Labour Law
University of Johannesburg
Certificate - Industrial Relations
Witwatersrand University
LLB - undefined
University of the Western Cape
School for Legal Practice - undefined
University of Cape Town
B Proc - undefined
University of the Western Cape