0345 646 5201
HR Consultancy in Scotland
Whether you’re scaling, restructuring, or looking to strengthen your leadership team for future resilience, our Scotland-based Fractional People Directors provide hands-on, high-calibre strategic HR expertise – without the cost of a full-time hire. We embed within your business, align people strategy to commercial goals, and deliver lasting impact – from the inside out.
Scotland-wide HR consultancy tailored to YOUR region
We deliver strategic HR consultancy on a fractional basis to businesses across Scotland, combining deep local knowledge with the expertise of a nationally respected team. Our locally based consultants bring wide-ranging commercial experience, giving you access to insight and support at the highest level – without the overhead of a full-time hire.
Whether you’re navigating change, facing people challenges or planning for growth while trying to shoulder rising costs, our dedicated People Directors support businesses in every corner of Scotland:
As well as the wider Central Belt.
Talk to us today
HR Case Study: Supporting a Business in Glasgow
Building HR Capability from the Ground Up
Challenge: Rapid business growth meant HR activity had become reactive and overstretched, with gaps in leadership development and talent retention.
Solution: People Director Clyde Marwick is currently working across five strategic pillars – from resourcing the entire HR function and reviewing rewards and benefits, to supporting leadership development and delivering a full brand identity refresh.
Results: A long-term people plan now underpins the Bear Scotland’s growth strategy, with clear direction on culture, capability, and competitiveness.
Our most in-demand strategic HR consultancy services in Scotland
From navigating the nuances of Scottish employment law to holding onto talent and driving business growth against the challenge of rising costs, at People Puzzles, we know the specific difficulties you face. Our Scotland-based People Directors understand the unique procedures of Scottish Employment Tribunals, local ACAS practices, and regional legal precedents – ensuring your business is protected as well as productive. Fully embedded in your leadership team, they provide hands-on, strategic support exactly where you need it most – helping you stay compliant, competitive, and confident for the future.
People Processes
From recruitment and onboarding to performance reviews and staying on top of compliance, we help you put practical people processes in place that keep your business protected and productive. With evolving Scottish employment laws and rising risk, our People Directors bring clarity, structure, and legal peace of mind – so your operations run smoothly, and your people thrive.
Strategic HR
Strategic HR is so much more than compliance procedures – it drives progress. By refining your HR strategy in Scotland so it aligns directly with your business goals, we help you shape company culture, strengthen leadership, and build a pipeline of talent fit for the future. This is HR that moves the dial – a service that delivers tangible commercial returns – and supports you as you move towards your goals.
Crisis and Project Supprt
From complex updates to UK and Scottish employment law, to redundancy consultation, employee relations or dispute resolution – when urgent challenges arise, our highly experienced HR consultants are ready to step in with calm, capable support. Thanks to our local presence, we can be on-site within 24–48 hours – providing immediate, hands-on help at senior level, unlike national firms juggling resources across regions. We provide interim and project-based HR consultancy to help Scotland-based businesses navigate change, stay compliant and protect their people and reputation under pressure.
Talent Management and Retention
Struggling to attract and retain the right people? You’re not alone. We know exactly how it impacts productivity when your talent pipeline is bottlenecked. Our experienced People Directors will help you take control of your talent strategy – improving culture and engagement – and building a committed team that shares your vision and loves working for you. We embed into your team at board level to drive real change – not just fill roles.
Leadership development and Coaching
Rapid business growth often exposes gaps in leadership strength. What worked at 20 people will never work at 200. Remote and hybrid working adds further pressures, especially around skills transfer. Our People Directors in Scotland work at the heart of leadership teams, strengthening mindset, behaviours and capability. We focus on supporting leaders to grow into the roles your evolving business demands – and step up with confidence.
Business Strategy
You have a business strategy – but do you have the people strategy to get you there? Without the right structure, leadership and culture to support your goals, even the most robust plans can falter. At People Puzzles we don’t just write strategic plans – we make them happen. Our People Directors work at board level and within leadership teams to clarify your vision – and turn it into a roadmap for sustainable growth.
Organisational Structure
When operational costs rise, productivity gains must come from within. But without the right structure, even your best people can underperform. Our Scotland-based HR Consultants help ambitious and costs-challenged businesses reshape organisational structure for clarity, agility and accountability – aligning leadership, roles and reporting lines so you get the most from your existing team, and can scale without unnecessary overheads.
Why choose our strategic HR consultancy in Scotland?
From the energy transition zones of Aberdeen to the creative and financial hubs of Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland’s business landscape is as diverse as it is ambitious. At People Puzzles, we understand the regional nuances that shape your challenges – from complex employment legislation to talent retention, leadership capability and growth strategy, all with the added trials of escalating operational costs.
Our exceptional Fractional HR Directors in Scotland bring decades of experience at executive level across industries such as energy, manufacturing, financial services, health and social care, creative and FMCG. They’ve led award-winning culture change programmes, shaped strategy for the UK Space Agency, managed high-profile investigations, and helped design people strategies that fuel sustainable growth.
With 90+ People Directors nationwide, you’re not just getting a single consultant – you’re gaining access to a collective wealth of expertise sector-specific insight – and seamless cover whenever you need it.
With deep local insight and the backing of a powerful national support network, we act as strategic partners embedded in your board and leadership teams – helping you align people with purpose – and move forward with confidence towards your future vision.
Frequently asked questions (FAQs)
Fractional HR provides access to high-level HR expertise at a fraction of the cost of a full-time hire. Our People Directors work part-time, embedded within your business – getting to know your team, culture, and goals from the inside. It’s hands-on strategic support as opposed to remote operational advice – delivered by your own dedicated local expert who is strongly focused on delivering tangible outcomes: talent development, resilience and growth.
A People Director is a highly experienced HR specialist who delivers strategic people solutions – not admin or box-ticking. At People Puzzles, our People Directors typically have decades of senior HR and wider commercial and entrepreneurial experience across multiple sectors. They work hands-on at board level and as part of your leadership team, linking your people strategy with your business strategy to deliver a measureable return.
Operational HR deals with day-to-day tasks – policies, grievances and compliance. Strategic HR focuses on aligning your people with your business goals. That might mean reshaping your organisational structure, building a succession plan, improving leadership capability, or tackling talent retention issues. Our People Directors focus on the strategic side of things – delivering results such as increased productivity, stronger culture, and readiness for growth.
Yes – our People Directors are based across Scotland and always work in-person within the businesses they support. This is not a phone-in advice line. We believe the only way to truly understand a company’s culture, leadership dynamics and people challenges is to be physically present – working alongside your team, not above or outside it.
We work with businesses facing a variety of challenges and with an array of ambitions. Our work spans a wide diversity of sectors typical to the region – from energy and engineering to life sciences, finance, creative, retail, hospitality, and the public sector. Whether you are based in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, Perth or further afield, our Scotland-based Fractional HR Directors combine local understanding with national-level expertise.
We can and we do – particularly in urgent or high-risk situations where fast action is critical. Thanks to our local presence, we can typically respond within 24–48 hours. That said, most of our clients discover the real value comes from having a People Director embedded for the longer term. With no tie-ins or lengthy contracts, our flexible model allows you to build lasting change and sustainable growth at your pace – not just put out fires.
The laws themselves – around unfair dismissal, redundancy, pay, and equality – are the same across the UK. But Scotland has its own employment tribunal system, with separate procedures, judiciary, and regional precedents. Our Scotland-based People Directors are familiar with these local nuances and can help you navigate them with clarity and confidence, especially when complex issues arise.
Proven Impact. Tangible Results. HR with ROI.
Our work delivers measurable outcomes – from improved retention and stronger leadership to sustained growth.
Call us on: 0345 646 5201 or email [email protected]
Talk to us today
Looking for a strategic HR consultant in Scotland who can resolve your people problems and move your success dial? Whether you’re facing a specific people challenge or planning for long-term growth, our local People Directors are here to support you. We work hands-on in your business, delivering real results that align your people strategy with your commercial goals.
See what our clients say!
Clyde has been instrumental in taking BEAR Scotland from 'good to great'
Iain Murray, Managing Director, BEAR Scotland
Working closely with Clyde Marwick we developed a five-pillar framework addressing our goal for a high performing HR function including employer branding, recruitment innovation, and reward enhancement. We have navigated complex employee relations challenges while building strategic capability across our HR team. We now have the people infrastructure to match our operational excellence.
Liz's support was instrumental in us delivering a successful consultation
Director of Finance, National Hair & Beauty Federation
Following the completion of our restructure, I wanted to get in touch to say thank you. Liz's support was instrumental in us delivering a successful consultation. We are extremely grateful for her measured and sound advice, helping us to navigate such a sensitive situation, and we look forward to working with her again in future .
Lynn guided me out of my comfort zone to help me achieve my goals
Samantha Freeman, Management Accountant, Wirtgen Group
I could not recommend Lynn more, she guided me out of my comfort zone to help me achieve my goals and to think about things from an alternative perspective. I have also had a few people comment on the positive changes they can see in me which is a result of our sessions.
Sarah is a trusted advisor and sounding board to both me and my team.
Claire Watkin, Managing Director, Trendsetter
Working with People Puzzles has enabled me to step out of the day to day running of the business and concentrate on our future strategic direction. Sarah has helped us focus on how we develop our future leaders, cross team collaboration, and enhance overall business performance, as well as supporting the achievement of B Corp status.
The achievements of the People Strategy made a measurable difference.
Craig Bennett, Chief Executive Officer, Sigma
I can't thank Paula enough for all her support over the last 3 years. Her time with us turned out to be much longer than any of us expected but I guess this reflects the extraordinary events and circumstances we’ve encountered since 2019. The achievements over this period made a measurable difference to engagement and has helped Sigma transition our people policies from that of an SME into market leading large corporate. Thank you.
Lynn was always positive and listened when it mattered
Coaching Client – Wirtgen Limited
I cannot give Lynn enough thanks for the help that she gave me to better understand myself and help me find the answers to some tough questions. Lynn was always positive and listened when it mattered, Thanks again Lynn.
I have been able to build a proactive relationship with Pauline
Amy Fisher, MD, Doby Verrolec
I have been able to build a proactive relationship with Pauline. I came into this role last year with an agenda for growth and we have been working together across employee engagement, contacts and policies.
Pauline developed our people strategy with a robust methodology
Jeremy Royle, MD, YourNRG
Pauline’s hands on approach helped us to build on the work we have already taken and develop our people strategy with a robust methodology to meet the current needs and future growth of the business.
Working closely with one local and very knowledgeable person
Amy Fisher, MD, Doby Verrolec
The real benefit of People Puzzles is that your business and industry sector needs are matched with one of the People Puzzles Directors. This means you work closely with one local and very knowledgeable person who can quickly understand the people needs of the business.
Working with Sarah has been a rewarding, productive and an educational experience
Chief Operating Officer, Salford Primary Care Together
We wanted to understand more about what was driving our organisational culture, key risks and issues, what our priorities should be, and to understand what we could achieve with our limited resources. Sarah brought commitment, pragmatism, and positivity to our challenges which helped us achieve many of our goals including organisational restructures, re-design of several key HR processes and upskilling of our teams.
Pauline has very quickly gotten to grips with Your NRG.
Managing Director, Your NRG
Pauline has very quickly gotten to grips with Your NRG, and has brought to our attention some processes that need our focus as a result of our recent rapid growth. We are pushing on with the more pressing operational day-to-day strategies and initiatives whilst also educating the SMT on their overall understanding of ‘cradle to grave’ employment. Pauline continues to work diligently and tirelessly for Your NRG and I am delighted to have her ongoing support alongside us as we continue on our journey to realise our levels of ambition.
Changed the way we approach our senior meetings and develop our strategy.
Chair, Regular Cleaning
Shaun worked closely with me and the senior team and taught us a lot. Shaun dedicated time for each team member and encouraged, educated and guided them to be the best they can be. We achieved so much in the time we worked with Shaun and he has helped to change our focus from working in the business to working on the business giving us time to dedicate to the progression of the teams that make up the rest of our family.
Jill has worked on many projects as our part time HR Director.
Founder, Aura
One was around sick days which she has now reduced by 75%. This has significantly minimised the disruption it was causing.
Stewart's work has been a major factor in helping us achieve our ambitious targets.
Gerry Simmonds, Safpro
Stewart helped to align our senior team around business goals and implemented clear people plan has been a major factor in helping us achieve our ambitious targets. We have grown 20% over the past two years and with the team we now have in place this growth is set to continue.
Lynn's work as our trusted HR consultant and my mentor has been absolutely invaluable.
Oktawia Ellis, HR Manager, We Seal
I have the distinct pleasure of working with Lynn at People Puzzles. Her work over the last few years as our trusted HR consultant and my mentor has been absolutely invaluable. Lynn is an expert in her field, she is very knowledgeable, encourageing, supportive, and an effective leader. She is also really funny and a pleasure to be around! I learned a lot from Lynn and I would strongly recommend her.
The impact Lynn has had on our challenges are beyond my expectations
James Laxton, Managing Director, Laxtons
She has engaged with all our staff and her approach is a breath of fresh air for the business. The support she has given me has made some difficult issues appear straight forward and she has given a new lease of life in the business. We would not have been able to get to where we are now without her wealth of experience and hands on people approach and I am excited to see what the future brings working with Lynn.
Every team leader can now make decisions in line with the vision
Roy Bowie, Managing Director, GreenBlue Urban
I used to have the view that HR was managing difficult cases and moving people on with occasional recruitment support. But what People Puzzles does is so much more than that. It’s about the development of the business and its people as a whole which has been the biggest eye opener for me.
Working with Gill has helped us develop a People Plan which goes beyond compliance
Bernard Sellars, Managing Director, Lindum Packaging
Working with Gill from People Puzzles has helped us develop a People Plan which goes beyond compliance – it has helped us as a team to achieve greater alignment and engagement with the business strategy and goals.
I found the personal development coaching I received from Lynn to be very beneficial.
Alex Calvert, Marketing and PR Account Manager, Intandem Communications Ltd
I found the personal development coaching I received from Lynn to be very beneficial. Lynn helped me to work on some very clear objectives with a good balance of supportiveness and knowing when to challenge and push me out of my comfort zone!
We are now in a strong position from a people perspective, to leverage the future
Craig Bennett, CEO, Sigma Group
Paula developed a clear People plan and road map, which has significantly moved us on. She has developed the existing HR team, and ensured that we progressed quickly on all the initiatives that we identified. I’m confident that based on the last 6 months, with Paula’s input and contribution, we are now in a strong position from a people perspective, to leverage the next 6 months and beyond.
A very professional team
Chris Morling, Founder & CEO, Money.co.uk
It’s been brilliant to have such knowledgeable consultants help us to empower our people. Stuart and Sophie were incredibly flexible, adapting their services to our business and existing culture. I’d highly recommend People Puzzles.
Shifted my view of HR!
Gavin Pooley, Managing Director, Liquidline
I used to think that HR was all about employment law compliance and managing the administration basics. I didn’t get the hugely positive impact strategic HR could make to the business – I do now!’
Transformed my understanding
Managing Director, B2B Supplies and Support Services
Having Alison on the team is like having another MD/MBA in the business. She has totally transformed my understanding of HR.
Fantastic support!
Kerry Berry, Director, S&K Berry Associates LLP
Lynn has been a fantastic support to us and an ongoing fountain of knowledge. If you have a business and/or staff you need to take care of, you need a Lynn on your team!
Such a detailed process
Sue Ford, Director, Bridge Case Management
Lynn ran a detailed process and I wasn’t allowed to get away with anything – All relevant issues were included and dealt with objectively.
We’ve accomplished a lot!
Joseph Carr, Managing Director, Carrs Pasties
This is an inspiring story and it’s all true. I can’t believe it’s about us! We’ve accomplished a lot over the last 18 months.
Helping us shape the business
Stuart Hill, CEO, WNDirect
Carole has helped me and the business massively and added real value while helping us shape the business.
Vee has delivered a huge amount for the company
Bertie Kerr, Managing Director, Albany Associates Ltd
Vee started with a baseline study of where we were. She then presented a work plan to deliver over the coming months and while some priorities have changed it is impressive to look back and see how much has been achieved. She has become a trusted member of the senior team, providing advice and guidance on difficult topics and is regularly consulted by staff for her input.
Alison joined Valleys to Coast on an interim basis and 18 months later is still with us!
Joanne Oak, Chief Executive Officer, Valleys to Coast Housing
Alison has been instrumental working with me to recruit to a permanent role. Alison’s approach has been one of partnership, contributing as part of the strategic leadership team, which has been critically important given the turbulence the organisation has been through. Alison is always available, responsive and I would highly recommend her for expert HR support
Over the last 3 years, People Puzzles has helped build a very strong people culture
Phil Dupont, Director, RVT Group
We now have a clear Vision for the Companies 5 Pillars, In-house manager, leadership ‘Power 90’ Training and a rhythm of key meetings throughout each year. This has had a direct contribution to the significant growth of the company in the last 3 years… With this support from People Puzzles continuing, the company continues to grow both financially and culturally for the benefit of all.