Meet the Team: Lorna Parker – Recruitment Consultant

At Riverside Recruitment, our people are what truly set us apart. Through our Meet the Team series, we’re proud to introduce the individuals who bring our values to life every day — building relationships, supporting our community, and connecting people to possibilities.

Next up is Lorna Parker, our Recruitment Consultant specialising in both permanent and temporary roles, and someone who has been part of the Riverside journey past and present.

Building connections that matter

As a Recruitment Consultant, Lorna’s role is all about people — and no two days are ever the same. From managing multiple roles across permanent and temporary recruitment to supporting both clients and candidates, her days are fast-paced and varied.

Flexibility and organisation are key, but what really sets Lorna apart is her ability to build genuine connections. Known for her warm and engaging telephone manner, she puts people at ease from the very first conversation – we think her lovely Scottish accent helps with that.

Having started her career in five-star hospitality, delivering a high level of personal service has always been second nature — something she continues to bring into her work at Riverside today.

A full circle journey

Lorna was part of Riverside in the early days, joining when her children were young. At that time, the flexibility of a part-time role allowed her to balance work with family life — something she reflects on as incredibly important.

As her children grew older, Lorna made the move into a full-time position elsewhere. But when the opportunity came to return to Riverside in 2022, it was an easy decision.

“It was a huge YES!”

Having seen the business evolve over time, Lorna brings with her not only experience but also a deep understanding of the industry — including how recruitment has changed, making it so important to stay informed and compliant, particularly around legislation and compliance.

Relationships at the heart of recruitment

For Lorna, recruitment is simple — it’s all about relationships.

“Relationships are everything in recruitment. Trust is built by listening properly, being honest, doing what you say you’ll do, and keeping communication open.”

This honest and straightforward approach is exactly what clients and candidates value most. Lorna prides herself on being authentic — “what you see is what you get” — and on taking the time to truly understand people.

She’s also known for getting “every last drop of detail”, something she believes is essential to making the right match.

“The small details are often what make or break a placement. Taking the time to really listen means I can make decisions that work long term for both parties.”

Life outside the office

Outside of work, life is just as busy — if not more so!

A proud mum of two boys, Lorna describes home life as “hectic” (with recruitment sometimes offering the slower pace!). From everyday moments to celebrating their achievements, family is at the centre of everything she does.

She’s also a self-confessed “homebody”, happiest spending time in her house and garden with family — preferably with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc in hand when the sun is shining.

And then there’s Ruby — her much-loved Springador, who brings plenty of energy, mud, and chaos into the mix. At eight years old, Ruby still behaves like a puppy, with an ongoing (and so far unsuccessful) life goal to catch a squirrel. She melts Lorna’s heart and gets away with far more than the children!

Quick fire with Lorna

• Tea, coffee or something stronger? A wee Sauvignon… followed by green tea in the morning
• Early bird or night owl? Early bird
• Perfect sunny day? At home in the garden with family, that’s all I need
• Dream destination? Vietnam
• Something people might not know? I grew up on the Hebridean island of Tiree (often referred to as the Hawaii of the North), in a school class of just four pupils — and I’m still best friends with one of them today something I feel incredibly fortunate about.

Making the right match

For Lorna, the most rewarding part of her role is delivering on what she promises — for both clients and candidates.

She believes that great recruitment goes beyond skills and experience. It’s about aligning values, expectations and culture to create matches that last.

“What makes someone stand out is honesty — candidates who communicate openly and take the time to understand the role always make a strong impression.”

This approach reflects everything Riverside stands for.

For Lorna, “Connecting people to possibilities — the Riverside way” means acting with trust, care and integrity — bringing the right people and opportunities together for the right reasons.

Huge thanks to our amazing Lorna! Your hard work, tenacity, and the constant laughs you bring are essential to our team. We truly couldn’t achieve what we do without your dedication and positive spirit.

Seeking a dedicated consultant to help you expand your team or navigate your career path? Connect with Lorna! Her personable approach and commitment to a first-class service make her the smart partner. Discover more about Lorna and the team and get in touch.