Nicola Richards

Nicola Richards was the People Director with the Scottish Government from 2016 until 2026, holding responsibility for the full range of HR services—from payroll and advice to executive development and workforce strategy—for around 10,000 staff. During her tenure, she sat on the Scottish Government’s Executive Team and was part of the wider UK Civil Service HR profession. She is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD.

Following a Ph.D. and research on community regeneration, Nicola joined the Civil Service, initially working in drugs policy. She later spent time with the Lloyds TSB Foundation, leading the Partnership Drugs Initiative, before serving as Chief Executive of Columba 1400 for five years.

Nicola was a founding trustee of Evaluation Support Scotland and brings extensive, multi-sector experience spanning charities, funding bodies, and government sectors to the Simon Community Scotland Board.