Andrew Penker Chartered FCIPD MIoL MSc

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Smaller organisations deserve the same access to expertise as larger organisations.

Throughout my career I have delivered clarity, empathy, and a practical understanding of how real workplaces operate. I've built my career on exactly that principle.

As a highly experienced People leader and organisation development specialist, I support SMEs and charities to build confident, compliant, and high-performing workplaces grounded in fairness, trust and strong governance.

For more than I can remember (based on my greying and at times, whitening hair), I've worked across complex, people centred environments where culture, capability and compliance must work hand in hand. My background spans senior leadership roles, national workforce programmes, and large scale organisational change, giving me a deep understanding of how people systems shape performance. I bring that experience directly to the organisations I partner with — translating legislation, best practice and strategic people thinking into practical solutions that work for small teams with limited time and resources.

My approach is rooted in clarity and partnership. SMEs and charities often face the same challenges as large organisations — employment rights, performance issues, restructures, safeguarding, governance and culture — but often without the luxury of in house specialists. I step into that gap, offering expert support that is accessible, responsive and tailored to the realities of smaller organisations. Whether I’m designing HR frameworks, leading complex employee relations cases, or strengthening Employment Rights Act compliance, my focus is always on reducing risk, building confidence and enabling leaders to make informed, fair decisions.

I’m known for combining strategic insight with hands on practicality.

Leaders come to me when they need someone who can quickly understand their organisation, diagnose what’s really happening, and deliver solutions that are both legally robust and culturally aligned. I work with honesty, discretion and a calm, grounded style that helps teams feel supported — especially during challenging moments.

Above all, I believe that good people practice should strengthen an organisation’s purpose, not distract from it. My role is to help organisations create the conditions where people can thrive, leaders can lead with confidence, and employment risks are managed before they become problems.

• Chartered Fellow of the CIPD
• Member of the Institute of Leadership (MIoL)
• MSc in Human Resource Management
• Post-graduate Diploma in Personnel Management (Merit)
• Certificate in People Analytics from the Wharton School
• Accredited Mentor with the EMCC 
• Executive Coaching Certificate from the Academy of Executive Coaches (AoEC)
• Programme participant at Harvard, 'Managing Yourself and Leading Others'

I am a trustee with the Enchanted Forest Trust and delighted to be given the opportunity to be back in Pitlochry, Highland Perthshire, where I grew up.

I am on the Judging panel for the prestigious annual HR Networks Scotland awards.

Please visit my profile on LinkedIn for more information:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-penker-chartered-fcipd/