Robyn
Whelan

WHO I HELP

All team members from all departments.

HOW I HELP

Practical guidance. People & Culture related matters. Performance management. Support workplace challenges.

“WHEN PEOPLE THRIVE, BUSINESS THRIVES.”

Based in our Edinburgh office, Robyn Whelan is a highly skilled People and Culture advisor providing guidance and support to all team members across the business.  She works closely with line managers to offer practical advice from absence management to performance conversations, and workplace wellbeing to employee relations.

Robyn’s passion for HR began before university, driven by a natural interest in working closely with people and supporting them to reach their full potential. This enthusiasm led her to originally join AAB as an HR consultant, where she worked with a diverse range of businesses and developed a flexible, client-focused approach. Robyn has carried this mindset into her internal role within the People & Culture team, bringing a unique perspective that allows her to deliver personalised and practical support.

Trust is everything

“Trust is at the heart of everything I do. I want my colleagues to feel that we have a genuine relationship, and I will always continue to deliver on what I say I’ll do. When people know they can rely on you, collaboration becomes easier and much more meaningful.

One of the best compliments I’ve ever received was being described as professional, and that they would genuinely miss working with me. Feedback like that reminds me of the real impact I can have and the importance of building strong, respectful working relationships.”

Support that makes a difference

“One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had was supporting a colleague through a particularly challenging time. Because we had already built a strong, genuine relationship, they felt comfortable opening up and trusting my guidance. By offering reassurance and consistent support, I was able to help them navigate the situation with confidence. That experience reinforced the importance of two-way communication and the real impact of being a steady, reliable presence. For me, there’s nothing more fulfilling than seeing a colleague grow in confidence and knowing I’ve contributed, even in a small way.”

Balancing empathy with strategy

“A valuable lesson I’ve learnt in my career is that being a ‘people person’ is just the beginning of HR. Empathy is essential, but some of the most challenging situations require a strategic and well-considered approach. Employee relations can be tricky, especially when different perspectives are involved. However, I take the time to understand the situation fully, listen to everyone involved and make a fair and informed decision that benefits both the individual and the business. It’s not always easy, but it’s worth it.”

Adapting to every situation

“Having had experience in a client-facing role has taught me how to adapt my approach to suit different people and situations. This flexibility has been especially valuable in supporting colleagues through processes like offboarding, where emotions can run high. I’ve helped manage leavers’ holiday and agile balances efficiently and accurately, ensuring final figures are correct and any discrepancies are resolved promptly. By staying composed and solution-focused, I’m able to make transitions as smooth and stress-free as possible, for both the individual and the wider business.”

More than just policies

“Often, HR gets a reputation for being about rules and hiring, but it’s so much more than that. We’re here to drive culture, support wellbeing and align people strategies with business goals. At the end of the day, it’s much about people as it is about performance and organisational success.”

A team growing together

“As AAB continues to evolve, I’m excited to contribute to the new internal processes that not only support career growth but also align with our wider business goals. It’s incredibly rewarding to be part of a team with such a diverse mix of skills who play a role in shaping meaningful and impactful experiences across the business.”