Jessica
Thomson

WHO I HELP

SMEs. Business founders. High-growth businesses. Food & drink. Film & production.

HOW I HELP

HR advice. Employment law. Documentation reviews. Investigations. Leadership training. Process improvements.

“MAKING HR PRACTICAL, PERSONAL & PEOPLE-FOCUSED.”

Based in our Glasgow office, Jessica Thomson is an HR Consultant at AAB who supports a wide range of clients – from day-to-day HR queries and employee relations matters to broader HR strategy, policy development and organisational change.

A typical week for Jessica is varied and fast-paced. She partners with clients remotely and on-site, advising on process improvements, employee engagement initiatives and complex people challenges, while also helping organisations align their HR approach with their wider business goals. She values face-to-face time with clients, believing that strong relationships are built by understanding the people, culture and context behind each business.

MY JOURNEY INTO HR

“My route into HR was driven by a genuine desire to support people. I began my career in teaching, which was rewarding, but I soon realised it wasn’t the right long-term fit. HR had always interested me, so I returned to university to complete a master’s in international HR management. That decision became my “lightbulb moment”, where I realised HR was the career that allowed me to combine my passion for people with strategic thinking and real-world impact.

I started my HR career in the oil and gas industry during a period of significant organisational change, gaining experience in collective consultation, leadership change, hybrid working and complex employee relations. That environment shaped my practical, adaptable approach to HR and continues to influence how I support clients today.”

TRUST IS EVERYTHING

“Strong client relationships are at the heart of how I work. One of my non-negotiables is putting faces to names – whether that’s through a Teams call or a site visit. It allows me to understand not just the business, but the people behind it, and helps clients feel comfortable being open and honest.

I’ve found that the best relationships are built when clients know I genuinely care about their challenges and success. By listening, keeping an open mind and seeing things from their perspective, I create partnerships based on trust rather than transaction.”

CONFIDENCE THROUGH CLARITY

“My key strengths lie in combining creativity with practicality and building strong relationships through it. Clear, concise communication is central to my approach – clients consistently tell me they value how I explain things in a way that’s easy to understand.

I also bring strong organisational skills to a busy consulting environment, balancing multiple clients and projects while ensuring each one receives the attention it deserves. Using a range of Microsoft and HR platforms, I tailor my approach to suit each client’s needs.”

SUPPORT WHEN IT MATTERS MOST

“One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced in my career was transitioning from education into HR. Making that change taught me the value of trusting my instincts and being confident in my abilities. It’s a lesson I carry into my work with clients, many of whom are facing change or uncertainty themselves.

Whether it’s managing absence, handling sensitive employee relations issues or navigating unfamiliar UK employment law, I help clients feel supported and reassured, even in difficult situations.”

CLEAR & PRACTICAL ADVICE

“I supported a multinational organisation new to the UK who needed guidance on managing sickness and absence. Differences in employment law were causing uncertainty and concern, but by providing clear, practical advice and explaining the rationale behind each step, I helped them approach the situation confidently and appropriately.

Being told that my work was “fantastic” and clearly set out expectations – reinforces why I do what I do.”

GROWING WITH AAB

“What I value most about AAB is the culture. Within my team, collaboration comes naturally – there’s always someone willing to brainstorm, sense-check or support. That same ethos exists across the wider firm, creating an environment where people are encouraged to grow, develop and do their best work for clients.”

LOOKING AHEAD

“I’m particularly interested in developing my skills around AI and emerging HR technologies. I see huge potential in using these tools to streamline processes, enhance employee experience and provide data-driven insights that help clients make better decisions.”

MORE THAN POLICIES & PAPERWORK

“A common misconception is that HR is a one-size-fits-all function. In reality, good HR is flexible, tailored and deeply human. Every business is different, and my role is to reflect that in the advice I give.”

A TRUSTED PARTNER

“Ultimately, my goal is to help clients feel confident in how they manage their people. By providing practical, people-centred HR support, I help businesses create environments where individuals and organisations can thrive – now and in the future.”