Cruden has recruited learning and development specialist, Amy Hand, to support its HR team and take a lead role in the future development of employees. The group, which has around 600 employees, has also expanded its long-established modern-apprenticeship programme by supporting graduate apprenticeships and other trainee opportunities.

Hand has previously worked across a variety of third and private sector organisations, including Sight Scotland and BMW, helping these brands to enhance their learning and development capabilities and achieve organisational goals. Amy Hand brings specific expertise in blended learning - combining online and in-person learning, as well as training design and delivery.

Commenting on the new appointment, Laura Davidson, HR manager for the Cruden Group, said: “In the current climate where businesses are struggling to fill key roles, it is more important than ever to develop our existing employees. In this role, we were looking for someone who would consolidate the areas of good practice that already exist at Cruden, but not be afraid to challenge the status quo.

“We wanted someone to show us how and where technology can be used to improve our learning and development offering, and most importantly help foster a learning culture across the organisation. We have already seen tangible results from Amy’s appointment.”

Learning and development specialist, Amy Hand, added: “I’m delighted to join the team at Cruden and look forward to driving our commitment to lifelong learning for all. Creating this new role with the focus firmly on investing in and developing the workforce, demonstrates Cruden’s commitment to future proofing talent in the business.”