Recruitment and Beyond

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In this episode, Ewan Anderson is joined by Hannah Gardiner, Talent Account Director at LinkedIn, for a deep dive into the evolving world of recruitment, data-driven hiring, and how businesses can stay ahead of the curve.

With over a decade of experience in recruitment and talent strategy — from start-ups to international staffing firms — Hannah shares her journey and why LinkedIn’s 1.1 billion-member platform is more than just a job board.

You’ll hear:

✅ Why LinkedIn’s 5 million data points per minute matter for recruitment strategy
✅ The rise of behavioural skills like adaptability and emotional intelligence in the AI era
✅ How skills-first hiring can expand your talent pool and drive better performance
✅ The importance of personal and employer branding — especially for business leaders
✅ Practical advice on how to make the most of LinkedIn as a strategic partner, not just a tool

Whether you're a recruiter, business leader or simply curious about where the world of work is headed, this episode is packed with insights to help you attract, retain, and grow the best talent.

👉 Subscribe now and tune in — it's time to move beyond the job board and tap into LinkedIn's full potential.

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How do you turn redundancy, a new mortgage, and zero HR experience into a 20-year journey at the heart of Scotland’s people profession?

In this milestone episode, we sit down with Lee Turner, founder of the HR Network, to explore how one man’s vision helped transform Scotland’s HR landscape. From humble beginnings to building an award-winning community of HR professionals, Lee shares the highs, the hurdles, and the human stories behind one of the most respected platforms in the sector.

Expect insights on:

• How Scotland’s HR community evolved over two decades
• Why local networks matter more than ever
• The real impact of celebrating success through authentic awards
• What the future holds for HR in an era of constant change

Whether you’re starting out in HR, leading at board level, or simply curious about how to build communities that last, this episode is packed with real stories, inspiration and practical wisdom.

💡 Key takeaway: “Networking isn't something you pick up and put down – it’s the secret ingredient for long-term success.”

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In this episode of Recruitment and Beyond, host Ewan Anderson is joined by Woody from Willo, a leading video interview platform revolutionizing the hiring process. 

With a five-year partnership between Eden Scott and Willo, this conversation delves into how video screening tools are reshaping recruitment, improving candidate experience, and helping businesses find top talent faster.

Key Discussion Topics:

• The evolution of Willow and its impact on recruitment over the last five years.
• How video interviewing bridges the gap between efficiency and human connection.
• The role of AI in hiring and the challenges of candidates misusing AI-generated CVs.
• The movement to eliminate the traditional CV and replace it with competency-based hiring.
• How video screening supports neurodiverse candidates and promotes inclusivity in recruitment.
• The future of HR technology and its role in reducing unconscious bias.

Key Takeaways:

• Candidate-Centric Hiring: Willow prioritizes a seamless and user-friendly experience for candidates, ensuring a fair and engaging process that allows them to showcase their true potential beyond a CV.
• Reducing Recruiter Admin by 50%: Companies like EDF have significantly cut down admin time, enabling recruiters to focus on meaningful candidate interactions.
• Higher Completion Rates, Better Talent Pools: Willow boasts a 90% completion rate for candidate screenings, unlocking access to talent that might be missed in traditional telephone interviews.
• Supporting Neurodiversity in Hiring: Video interviews give neurodiverse candidates the flexibility to present themselves in a comfortable environment, enhancing inclusivity.
• The End of the CV? With AI manipulating CVs and recruiters making snap judgments based on written applications, businesses are moving towards competency-based assessments.
• AI as a Recruitment Aid, Not a Replacement: AI can enhance efficiency but should not replace the human connection in hiring. Recruiters must educate candidates on ethical AI use.
• Future-Proofing Talent Acquisition: Companies that adopt flexible, technology-driven hiring processes will stay ahead, while those stuck in outdated methods risk falling behind.

Join us for this insightful discussion on how HR and recruitment are evolving in the digital age. Don’t forget to subscribe to Recruitment and Beyond and leave us a review – your feedback helps us continue delivering valuable content!

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Join Recruitment and Beyond, the essential podcast for HR professionals in Scotland, as we dive into the evolving world of human resources, leadership, and business strategy. Hosted by Ewan Anderson, Marketing Director at Eden Scott, we bring you candid conversations with industry-leading figures who are shaping the future of people and culture.

In this episode, we welcome Laura Smith, Director of People and Culture at NHS Golden Jubilee, to explore why HR deserves a seat at the boardroom table. 

Laura shares her unique career journey, the power of shifting perceptions around HR, and how strategic people leadership drives business success. From influencing company culture to navigating the impact of AI on the workforce, we discuss how HR professionals can position themselves as key decision-makers in any organization.

📌 Key takeaways:
✔ Why "HR" should evolve into "People and Culture"
✔ The importance of influencing at board level
✔ How to future-proof your workforce in the age of AI
✔ Three actionable tips for HR professionals to elevate their strategic impact

If you're passionate about shaping the future of work, leading with purpose, and ensuring HR is at the heart of business strategy, this episode is for you.

🔔 Subscribe now to never miss an episode! And if you enjoy the show, leave us a review—it helps us grow and bring more insights to the HR community.

#HRLeadership #PeopleAndCulture #RecruitmentAndBeyond #FutureOfWork

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🎙️ Episode Overview
In this episode, Ewan is joined by Angela Rieu-Clarke, founder of Buzzqube, an HR consultancy supporting early-stage businesses. Angela shares her expertise on why startups should prioritise HR, when to introduce it, and how to build a strong, scalable people strategy. Whether you’re a founder, hiring manager, or simply interested in HR best practices, this conversation is packed with practical advice.

🔹 Key Discussion Points:
✅ When should startups start thinking about HR?
✅ The biggest HR challenges for early-stage businesses
✅ How to build a strong company culture without overcomplicating it
✅ Why employment law compliance is crucial for growing teams
✅ Hiring the right people for a startup environment
✅ The role of HR in employer branding and talent attraction
✅ How HR helps businesses prepare for investment rounds
✅ Managing performance, career development, and redundancies

🔹 Top HR Tips for Startups:
📌 Start small – a consultant may be the best first step
📌 Be proactive in setting up essential policies & contracts
📌 Build an inclusive and transparent culture to attract top talent

💡 Listen in for expert insights that will help you build a thriving, people-focused business!

📩 Connect with Angela Rieu-Clarke
🔗 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/angela-rieu-clarke-chartered-fcipd-80032a115/
📧 Email: [email protected]

📢 Enjoying the podcast? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review – your support helps us bring you more valuable insights!

#RecruitmentAndBeyond #HRForStartups #TalentAttraction #Leadership #ScalingBusinesses #EmployerBranding #StartupCulture

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Talent On Leave

Lynn White

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.

👉 Subscribe, share, and leave us a review to help more people discover the Recruitment and Beyond Podcast!

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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 developments in HR and recruitment!

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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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