Send us a text

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

Eden Scott

Follow our social channels where we continue these conversations!

Eden Scott LinkedIn
Beyond HR LinkedIn

Send us a text

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.

Follow our social channels where we continue these conversations!

Eden Scott LinkedIn
Beyond HR LinkedIn

Send us a text

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!

Follow our social channels where we continue these conversations!

Eden Scott LinkedIn
Beyond HR LinkedIn

Send us a text

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!

Follow our social channels where we continue these conversations!

Eden Scott LinkedIn
Beyond HR LinkedIn

Send us a text

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

Follow our social channels where we continue these conversations!

Eden Scott LinkedIn
Beyond HR LinkedIn

Send us a text

This episode of the Recruitment and Beyond Podcast discusses onboarding and workaholics.

The hosts, Ewan and Natalie, explore the importance of a well-defined onboarding process for new hires. They discuss how a good onboarding process can help to reduce turnover and improve employee engagement.

They also discuss the challenges of workaholic tendencies and how organisations can create a culture that supports a healthy work-life balance.

Here are some key takeaways from the episode:

• Onboarding is a crucial process for new hires.
• A well-defined onboarding process can help to reduce turnover and improve employee engagement.
• Organisations should create a culture that supports a healthy work-life balance.

Follow our social channels where we continue these conversations!

Eden Scott LinkedIn
Beyond HR LinkedIn

Send us a text

Feeling chained to your desk?

The Recruitment and Beyond podcast tackles the growing trend of "Right to Disconnect" laws. With many countries already offering employees protection from after-hours work, will the UK follow suit?

Ewan and Natalie chat about:

• Why work-life balance is crucial in today's world
• How other countries are implementing the right to disconnect
• The challenges of creating such legislation
• What businesses can do to promote healthy boundaries
• The power of leadership in setting a positive example

Tune in and discover how to achieve a healthier work-life balance, both personally and professionally.

Follow our social channels where we continue these conversations!

Eden Scott LinkedIn
Beyond HR LinkedIn

Send us a text

In this episode of Recruitment and Beyond, hosts Ewan and Natalie delve into the vital role of feedback in fostering a thriving workplace culture.

They explore the nuances of providing constructive feedback, the challenges managers face in delivering it, and the significant impact it has on employee engagement and organisational growth.

With insights into various feedback mechanisms, including the emerging trend of 360 feedback, they offer actionable advice for developing effective feedback strategies that enhance performance and promote a culture of continuous improvement.

Tune in to discover how you can transform feedback from a managerial task into a cornerstone of your organisational culture, ultimately driving success and innovation.

Follow our social channels where we continue these conversations!

Eden Scott LinkedIn
Beyond HR LinkedIn