Nicola has been People Director with the Scottish Government since 2016. She responsibility for the full range of HR services from payroll and advice, to executive development and workforce strategy for around 10,000 staff. She sits on the Scottish Government’s Executive Team and is part of the wider UK Civil Service HR profession. She is a chartered fellow of CIPD.

Following a Ph.D. and research on community regeneration in Manchester, Nicola joined the Civil Service, initially in drugs policy. She spent time with Lloyds TSB Foundation leading the Partnership Drugs Initiative before moving to be Chief Executive of Columba 1400 for 5 years. Nicola was a founding trustee of Evaluation Support Scotland and has experience across the charity, funding and government sectors.

Nicola is passionate about the value that a vibrant and effective third sector can bring to improving people’s lives. In particular she is drawn to the ethos of Simon Community Scotland and its commitment to meet people where they are.