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Hosted by Ewan Anderson, Marketing Director at Eden Scott, the Recruitment and Beyond podcast is your essential resource for understanding the evolving world of recruitment, HR, and workplace culture. Each episode, we dive into key trends and insights with industry leaders, helping businesses and individuals build stronger, more engaged teams.

In this episode, we tackle a critical but often overlooked aspect of talent management—how businesses can better support employees through maternity and parental leave. Our guest, Lynn White, is the founder of Talent on Leave, an organization dedicated to helping companies rethink how they approach leave policies, employee engagement, and return-to-work strategies.

Lynn shares her personal journey from a fast-paced marketing career into coaching and consulting, highlighting the challenges employees face during maternity and parental leave—from confidence dips to the difficulty of reintegration into the workplace. She discusses why companies often miss opportunities to support their employees during this transition and how a fresh approach can lead to better retention, engagement, and leadership development.

This conversation is packed with practical advice for HR leaders, managers, and employees, focusing on how to shift the narrative around leave from being a business challenge to an opportunity for growth. We explore the role of company culture, communication, and leadership in making the leave experience more positive and productive—not just for the individual but for the whole organization.

If you’re an employer, HR professional, or someone navigating parental leave yourself, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in for insights that could reshape how your business approaches leave and talent development.

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In this episode of Recruitment and Beyond, we explore the challenges and opportunities in shaping a high-performing workforce within one of Scotland’s most complex organisations—NHS Scotland.

Host Ewan Anderson, Marketing Director at Eden Scott, is joined by Fiona Hogg, Chief People Officer at NHS Scotland, to discuss how HR and leadership play a critical role in delivering world-class healthcare. With responsibility for 22 health boards, Fiona provides unique insight into workforce planning, leadership development, and the importance of culture in such a vast and varied organisation.

We delve into how NHS Scotland is evolving its recruitment strategy to attract and retain top talent, how technology and people analytics are shaping the future of HR, and why investing in leadership development is key to long-term success. Fiona also shares how NHS Scotland is tackling workforce challenges, diversity and inclusion, and ensuring that employees feel supported, valued, and empowered to grow in their careers.

If you’re an HR professional, business leader, or recruiter, this episode offers real-world insights into building and sustaining a resilient workforce—whether in healthcare or any other sector.

🔹 How do you create a people-first culture in a complex organisation?
🔹 What role does technology play in modernising HR functions?
🔹 How can organisations attract and retain top talent in a competitive market?

Tune in now for expert advice and actionable takeaways that can help your organisation thrive.

🎧 Subscribe to Recruitment and Beyond for more insights from Scotland’s top business leaders.

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Welcome to the latest episode of Recruitment and Beyond, the podcast that keeps you up to date on the dynamic world of HR and recruitment. Hosted by Ewan Anderson, Marketing Director at Eden Scott, this episode takes a deep dive into the transformative changes coming to HR legislation in 2025 and beyond. With the HR landscape evolving rapidly, staying informed is crucial for businesses aiming to build strong, resilient teams while navigating new compliance challenges. That’s why today’s episode is an essential listen for HR professionals, business leaders, and anyone interested in understanding the practical impacts of upcoming legislation.

Joining Ewan is Hannah Roche, Partner and Head of Employment Law at MBM Commercial. With nearly 14 years of experience advising small and medium-sized businesses on everything from recruitment contracts to employment disputes, Hannah brings a wealth of knowledge to the discussion. As head of MBM’s holistic HR services, she’s uniquely positioned to shed light on what these legislative updates mean for businesses of all sizes.

The conversation begins with an overview of the 2023 Employment Rights Bill, a pivotal piece of legislation designed to improve job security, promote fairness in the workplace, and boost economic growth. Hannah and Ewan explore the broad scope of the bill, which introduces sweeping reforms across unfair dismissal, family leave, flexible working, trade union laws, and much more. While some changes will come into effect in 2025, others will roll out as late as 2026, giving businesses time to prepare.

A key focus of the discussion is the shift toward "day-one rights" for employees, including significant changes to unfair dismissal protections. Hannah breaks down how these reforms are likely to affect recruitment strategies, onboarding processes, and workplace dynamics, particularly for small and medium-sized enterprises. She emphasizes the importance of proactive planning, highlighting how enhanced diligence during recruitment and a renewed focus on onboarding and probation processes can help businesses adapt to these changes while maintaining a productive and engaged workforce.

The podcast also delves into new obligations around sexual harassment prevention, including a proactive duty for employers to safeguard employees and an extension of liability to cover harassment by third parties, such as clients or contractors. Hannah outlines practical steps businesses can take, from updating policies to implementing regular, tailored training, to create a safe and inclusive workplace culture.

Throughout the episode, Ewan and Hannah emphasize the need for businesses to stay ahead of these changes, not only to ensure compliance but also to turn potential challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. With tips on leveraging free resources, engaging senior management, and seeking timely legal advice, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help businesses navigate the road ahead.

As the HR landscape continues to shift, the Recruitment and Beyond podcast is here to guide you through these changes with expert advice and practical strategies. Whether you're an HR professional looking to future-proof your processes or a business leader aiming to foster a thriving workplace culture, this episode is a must-listen.

Stay tuned for an engaging conversation that will equip you with the tools and knowledge you need to tackle the challenges of 2025 and beyond. Don't forget to subscribe to Recruitment and Beyond to stay informed about the latest develo

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In this episode of Recruitment and Beyond, Ewan is joined by Andy Williamson, the founder of Welcome Brain, a neurodiversity consultancy aimed at helping organisations create more inclusive and supportive environments for neurodivergent employees. Andy’s journey into this field began through his work with neurodivergent students, where he witnessed first-hand how tailoring education to individual learning styles could unlock incredible potential. After transitioning into the corporate world, Andy saw a gap in support for neurodivergent individuals in the workplace and established Welcome Brain to help businesses bridge this gap.

Throughout this conversation, Andy explains what neurodiversity is, its impact on the workplace, and the importance of fostering a culture of inclusion. From understanding the challenges neurodivergent individuals face during the recruitment process to implementing simple, cost-effective changes that can make a big difference, Andy emphasises that creating a neuro-inclusive workplace isn’t as complicated as it seems.

He also addresses common misconceptions about neurodiversity and shares practical tips for companies, from ensuring a more inclusive interview process to shifting from a process-driven to an outcome-driven approach. With a focus on communication, empathy, and leadership, this episode highlights how small adjustments can make a huge impact on employee satisfaction, retention, and business performance.

If you're looking to create a more inclusive workplace, this episode offers actionable insights and advice for building a business that values neurodiversity and supports individuals to thrive. Tune in for practical steps to help your organization tap into the strengths of neurodivergent employees while fostering an environment where all employees feel valued and understood.

Find Out More About Andy Williamson:
Andy Williamson is the founder of Welcome Brain Consulting, an Edinburgh-based company specialising in neuro-inclusion in workplaces.

With a focus on equitable recruitment and unlocking the potential of neurodiverse talent, Andy helps organisations create inclusive hiring practices that drive innovation and performance.

Welcome Brain

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In this episode of Recruitment and Beyond, Ewan is joined by Lisa Thompson, the Chief People Officer at Clear Sky Logic and former founder of Purpose HR. With extensive experience in HR consultancy, particularly in the tech and life sciences sectors, Lisa brings invaluable insights into the rising issue of employee burnout.

Burnout is no longer just a buzzword – it’s a critical issue that affects not only individual well-being but also business productivity. In this conversation, Lisa discusses the importance of recognising burnout early and implementing strategies that help businesses support their teams, allowing them to flourish even in challenging times. From the blurred boundaries between work and home life, especially in the post-pandemic era, to the impact of constant connectivity through technology, Lisa provides a comprehensive overview of what causes burnout and how HR professionals can combat it.

Through practical strategies such as promoting open communication, setting clear expectations, and creating environments where employees feel empowered to prioritise their well-being, Lisa emphasises the need for proactive leadership. She explains how establishing boundaries and leading by example can help prevent burnout before it becomes a significant issue. Lisa also shares lessons learned from her consultancy days, offering advice on implementing these strategies effectively.

Whether you’re a business leader, HR professional, or someone navigating the challenges of managing employee wellness, this episode offers key takeaways on how to foster a healthy, productive workplace that supports both individual and organisational success. Tune in to discover how to recognise the signs of burnout, avoid overloading top performers, and set a framework for employee wellbeing that leads to long-term sustainability.

Find out more about - Lisa Thomson

Lisa recently joined ClearSky Logic as Chief People Officer. She previously founded Purpose HR, a niche HR consultancy focused on the technology and life sciences sectors, which she sold to the AAB Group in 2021. Following the acquisition, Lisa continued to lead Purpose HR as CEO and operated as a Partner and member of the AAB Leadership team until August 2023, when she exited following an earnout period.

She has achieved Chartered membership of the CIPD, is an experienced executive coach and NLP practitioner, is a Scotland CanB certified Impact Coach, and is an alumni of the Saltire Fellowship programme.

Lisa is a proud Ambassador for Women's Enterprise Scotland, championing women in business and is also a Board member of Entrepreneurial Scotland, FirstPort and Prosper (formerly Scottish Council for Development and Industry, and a mentor for Codebase, the UK's largest technology incubator.

A mum of 3 (2 girls aged 12 and 7 and a boy aged 1), Lisa lives in North Berwick East Lothian and, in her spare time, enjoys reading, cooking, wild swimming and walking her cocker spaniel Lola.

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The Power of Career Development Plans with Hayley Reaper

Welcome to the latest episode of the Recruitment and Beyond Podcast, your go-to resource for navigating the dynamic world of HR and recruitment. This week, host Ewan is joined by Hayley Reaper, People Lead at Create Future, for an in-depth conversation about the transformative potential of career development plans.

In today’s fast-evolving workplace, career development plans are more than just an HR tool—they're a strategic cornerstone for attracting, retaining, and empowering top talent. Hayley shares how her team at Create Future has created a thriving culture of continuous learning through their innovative performance framework, Own Your Own Potential (OYOP).

This episode dives into how career development plans align individual ambitions with company objectives, fostering engagement and enhancing performance at every level. From nurturing early-career professionals to supporting senior leaders, Hayley highlights the importance of personalized growth opportunities and how they contribute to both employee satisfaction and business success.

Hayley also offers practical advice for businesses looking to introduce or refine their own career development strategies. From gathering employee input to iterating on frameworks as needs evolve, her insights will resonate with leaders of teams both large and small.

Whether you’re looking for tips on engaging employees, boosting retention, or fostering a culture of learning, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways. Join us to learn how to empower your team, invest in their potential, and drive long-term success for your organization.

Hit play now and discover how to transform your approach to career development—because your team’s growth is your business’s growth.

All about Hayley:

Hayley Raeper has been in the people profession for 7 years. Her current role is People Lead at CreateFuture; she joined the business in January 2022 when the business employed around 150 people; 2.5 years later, they are around 450.

CreateFuture is a digital consultancy and delivery partner that works with clients to find the right solutions together, covering strategy & innovation, product design and engineering, data/AI & cloud & dev ops with employees all over the UK.

Hayley is passionate about the people profession, helping people grow and develop and bridge any gaps between employer and employee, ensuring people and the business thrive together.

Hayley lives in Scotland and, in her spare time, enjoys spending time with her family and exploring everything beautiful Scotland has to offer!

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In this episode, we're thrilled to have Wendy Isaacs from Outside In Garden Rooms join us. Wendy shares her insights and experiences with transitioning to a four-day work week. We discuss the challenges and benefits of this modern work structure, the concept of "Soft Fridays," and how these changes have impacted productivity and workplace culture.

Tune in as we explore how Outside In Garden Rooms successfully implemented a four-day week, the importance of trust in the workplace, and the surprising reactions from clients and employees alike. Whether you're an employer considering flexible work schedules or an employee curious about new work trends, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice.

Join us for a conversation that goes beyond recruitment and delves into the heart of modern work culture. Don't miss it!

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In this episode of "Recruitment and Beyond," host Ewan delves into the critical topic of flexible working with special guest Lynn Houmdi. Lynn is the Senior Manager for Learning Leadership at the Challenges Group and the founder of the Flexible Working Scotland community on Facebook, which boasts a membership of over 15,000 people. The discussion centres around the ongoing challenges and opportunities in the realm of flexible working.

Key Points Discussed:

1. Introduction to Flexible Working Scotland:
   • Lynn shares the origins and purpose of Flexible Working Scotland, a community she started in April 2021 to support and advocate for flexible working across Scotland. The community aims to normalize flexible work, support those looking for such opportunities, and challenge systemic barriers that prevent people from finding suitable work arrangements.
2. The Need for Flexible Work:
   • Despite the push towards flexible working during the pandemic, many organizations still struggle to implement it effectively. Lynn emphasizes that change is not linear and highlights how the lack of flexible work can trap people either out of the workforce or in roles without progression opportunities.
3. Barriers to Flexible Working:
   • Ewan and Lynn discuss various barriers to flexible working, including outdated perceptions of productivity, lack of managerial trust, and inadequate job design. Lynn introduces the concept of "flex washing," where employers falsely advertise flexible roles to attract candidates.
4. Employer and Employee Perspectives:
   • The conversation touches on the feedback from employees who feel misled about flexible working options and the importance of trust and output-focused work culture. Lynn argues that flexible working is not about working from exotic locations but about managing personal commitments like childcare and medical appointments while being productive.
5. Making Work Work Programs:
   • Lynn introduces the Making Work Work programs, designed to support women returners facing challenges in re-entering the workforce after a career break. These programs focus on building confidence, networks, and peer support among participants, many of whom switch careers post-program.
6. Employer Challenges and Solutions:
   • Ewan and Lynn explore the difficulties employers face in offering flexible work, such as job design and accommodating part-time roles. They stress the need for imaginative solutions and better communication about available flexible opportunities.
7. Cultural Shifts and Managerial Training:
   • The discussion highlights the shift in workplace culture due to the pandemic and the importance of managerial training in fostering a supportive environment for flexible work. Lynn points out that promoting flexible work can drive diversity and improve business outcomes.
8. Future Vision for Flexible Working:
   • Lynn envisions a future where flexible working is mainstream, job ads clearly state flexible options, and managers are equipped to handle diverse working arrangements. She emphasises that flexibility benefits both employees and employers, leading to a more committed and productive workforce.

Employers should be more transparent and proactive in offering flexible work arrangements, and employees should seek

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