THE Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service were called to the stage to lift the top prize at this year’s CIPD Northern Ireland Awards.
The service’s human resources unit was named team of the year, sponsored by Eversheds Sutherland, at the premier awards for HR and L&D professionals.
Sponsored by recruitment specialists Grafton, the accolades were presented across 10 categories at a gala ceremony in Titanic Belfast with Nijobfinder as media partner. They highlighted the depth of knowledge and skills in the profession here within teams, individuals and organisations.
The Fire and Rescue Service’s HR team was recognised in the HR/Learning & Development Team of the Year category for implementing an effective recruitment process that has buy-in from the most senior levels in the organisation.
The award for Best Change Management Initiative went to Interface Europe Ltd. The judges recognised the company’s HR team for putting in place a continuous improvement programme which had resulted in the Northern Ireland arm of the organisation being benchmarked across the global group as one of the highest performing areas.
The Lurgan-based carpet manufacturer also picked up the top prize in the Best Health and Wellbeing Initiative category, sponsored by Inspire Workplaces.
The judges said the company’s initiative was central to empowering the organisation here and had helped to enhance overall productivity and performance.
The Best Learning & Development Initiative accolade went to Allstate Northern Ireland.
Its HR team was applauded for implementing an initiative that encouraged problem solving, innovation and organisational learning against a backdrop of transformational change in the organisation globally.
And the Outstanding HR Student of the Year award, sponsored by CIPD Enterprises in partnership with AVADO, went to Keith Houston of Belfast-based Allstate Northern Ireland. Keith was praised for his passion and enthusiasm for the HR profession and his initiative in helping to develop talent for the technology industry.
Ulster University Business School sponsored the Best Talent Management Initiative category, which was won by Inspire, the Northern Ireland-based mental health charity and social enterprise.
Inspire was recognised for having a wide reaching and successful talent management programme which had clear objectives aligned to organisational strategy.
The Best Employee Engagement Initiative award, sponsored by Health Shield, went to James Leckey Design Ltd. The judges applauded the breadth of the Lisburn company’s employee engagement activity and said it undoubtedly had a positive impact on business objectives.
The prize for Best Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, sponsored by Hunter Savage, was picked up by Belfast-based social enterprise Now Group, which supports people with learning difficulties and autism. It was applauded for having a genuine dedication to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace.
The Macklin Group won the Excellence in HR Leadership Award, sponsored by Worthingtons Solicitors.
The Belfast-based family business, which operates in the hospitality and nursing home sectors, was recognised for implementing innovative HR and business transformation solutions which are helping it to thrive.
CIPD NI’s Executive Committee also presented the Chair’s Special Achievement Award, which recognises an individual, team or organisation who has made a significant contribution to the profession in Northern Ireland.
This special accolade went to Sam Davidson, Group HR Director for the Henderson Group, which employs around 3,500 people here. Sam, who has more than 30 years’ experience in HR, is a regular contributor to global programmes for Spar.
The CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, has more than 3,300 members in Northern Ireland.