SCVO announces groundbreaking HR for Creatives project to return

Applications are now open for the SCVO-delivered HR for Creatives programme.

A groundbreaking human resources project for creative organisations in Scotland is set to return with dozens of groups set to benefit.

HR for Creatives will again be delivered by Scotland's national membership body for the voluntary sector, the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO), supported by Creative Scotland.

The programme, funded by the National Lottery, will provide free HR support and development to 35 arts, screen and creative industries employers across Scotland for 12 months.

It is hoped the programme will allow organisations to create positive, supportive workplaces where people can thrive, despite the tight budgets, limited time and a lack of in-house HR expertise facing many small, creative organisations.

Groups will receive an HR health check of their policies and procedures, one-to-one expert HR and people management advice from SCVO’s HR service team, and access to webinars, peer-to-peer learning and networking opportunities.

HR for Creatives previously ran for 12 months from September 2023, with 20 groups benefitting from expert support.

Those behind the project now hope to “build on the work” done in the previous round in 2023/24.

HR for Creatives is open to micro to small arts, screen and creative industries organisations based in Scotland, with no in-house or specialist HR support.

Organisations looking to take part do not have to be a charity, CIC or social enterprise, but organisations must deliver work which has a wider public value.

Caroline Christie, SCVO’s HR manager, said: “Many of the issues identified in HR for Creatives 2023 persist. Without HR support, small employers can struggle. Escalating costs, and changes (although positive) to employment law place additional pressure on small arts, screen and creative industries organisations. Freelancers’ experience of working in the sector can be precarious, and organisations need support to improve on this.

“The programme will support 35 micro and small arts, screen and creative industries organisations to access tailored HR expertise, giving them the tools and confidence to strengthen their employment practices and contribute to a fairer, more resilient sector.

“The second phase of HR for Creatives will expand the network of organisations and the shared learning from this will feed into an expanded HR for Creatives Resource Library to benefit arts, screen and creative industries organisations for years to come.”

Lorna Robertson, an HR service advisor at SCVO, added: “The first round of HR for Creatives was a great learning opportunity, not only for the organisations involved, but also for us in the HR service.

“We learned lots about freelancers and the subtle differences of how creative orgs manage their diverse group of people. We’re excited to welcome a new group of orgs to continue the journey.”

Applications for the HR for Creatives programme close at noon on Monday, February 16, 2026.