It isn't just your employer. If I had a penny for every time I heard the phrase "HR says ...." I could retire in the lap of luxury!

I recall trying to get pornographic images removed from the shop floor walls, screen savers(!) and calendars. Cue the Production Manager calling a shop floor meeting and starting the conversation with those immortal words "HR says ..." I was not popular that day! I must point out that this was about 20 years ago when they had just changed the rules on harassment and gave employers the duty to actively ensure that the work environment could not be considered hostile.

So, you are not alone. I expect almost all of us have experienced being the point of blame quite frequently.

If you are being blamed for something you didn't do, or were responsible for I'd generally have no problems replying quite clearly, and making it well known that it was not you - or 'HR', that was responsible. If you don't you might just end up the scape goat for everything anyone doesn't like.

Flagging this recent discussion, too...

 RE: I am the new Head of HR in a company where HR is a joke - literally! 

Sam, it's good to rant. It's a helpful way of letting off frustrations. I am happy to clearly accept accountability or responsibility for decision making, I have broad shoulders and am always happy to have a conversation about the rationale for things. I am a bit like Deborah in that if I had a pound....

Some people in business quite frankly aren't prepared to step into tricky conversations and like to scapegoat people and functions. It really says more about them that it does about us and I have learned to develop an outer coating that protects me from feeling too disgruntled. It probably is indicative of the culture too.

I find doing great, clear consistent, proactive communications as part of any planned changes, work HR is doing helps. Being open to feedback on those changes helps me feel to be on the front fit when others would like to say, that's HR.