THE Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) has announced the shortlist for the annual CIPD Northern Ireland HR Awards, which are celebrating 10 years this year.
The awards celebrate individuals, organisations and the best initiatives that are supporting the CIPD’s purpose of championing better work and working lives in Northern Ireland.
Lee Ann Panglea, Head of CIPD Scotland and Northern Ireland said: “The awards have a rich history of recognising people professionals and their impact and achievements. They provide an opportunity to celebrate excellence in HR practice and highlight HR’s important role in the success of organisations across Northern Ireland.
“Many congratulations to everyone who has made the shortlist.
“We received a record number of entries this year and the quality is outstanding. The judges have really had their work cut out whittling them down for the shortlist.”
The entries were scored by a panel of 16 experts, and the finalists will have the opportunity to bring their entries to life in interviews with the judging panel in Belfast on September 8.
Ryan Calvert, Human Resources Recruitment Manager for UK & Ireland at headline sponsors MCS Group said: “The CIPD NI Awards is an exciting and prestigious event, an opportunity for organisations and HR professionals to celebrate success. With such a high calibre of entries, being shortlisted is a fantastic achievement, and a testament to the great job you are doing.
“Many congratulations to everyone who has made it to this stage, and best of luck in your upcoming interview with the judges.”
The shortlist
Best HR student
Iain Gough
Jennifer Heaney
Kerry Morgan-Cranston
Michelle Weir
Best change management initiative – sponsored by Queen’s University Belfast Management School
Business Services Organisation
Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel
Thompson Aero Seating
Best hybrid and flexible working initiative – sponsored by Hunter Savage
Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel
Fujitsu Services Ltd
Northern Ireland Water
SHS Group
Best people team – sponsored by Danske Bank
Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel
Fujitsu Services Ltd
Northern Health and Social Care Trust
Prestige Insurance Holdings
Ulster University
Best health and wellbeing initiative – sponsored by Inspire
Department for Communities
Frylite Solutions Limited
Lagan Specialist Contracting Group
Northern Ireland Water
SERC
SHS Group
Best L&D/OD initiative
Education Authority Northern Ireland
Liberty IT
SHS Group
Southern Regional College
Best employee voice initiative – sponsored by the Labour Relations Agency
Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel
Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service
PA Consulting
Best inclusion and diversity initiative – sponsored by Diversity Mark
Education Authority Northern Ireland
Galgorm Collection
Northern Ireland Civil Service (NICS)
Stepping Stones NI & Henderson Retail Ltd
Best External consultancy
Next Steps
Wiser Working Ltd
Best resourcing and talent management initiative
Business Services Organisation
Finnebrogue Artisan
Police Service of Northern Ireland
Viberoptix
Best apprenticeship scheme – sponsored by Work+
Almac Group
Collins Aerospace in Kilkeel
Danske Bank
Lakeland Dairies
Moore Concrete Products Ltd
Northern Ireland Water
Rising star of the people profession
Shannon Ellis, Allstate NI
Lauren Glencross, Danske Bank
James Griffin, Fujitsu Services Ltd
Margarita Magdenko, Titanic Hotel Belfast
Conor McKenna, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service (NIFRS)
Excellence in HR Leadership – sponsored by TLT
Wendy Close, Prestige Insurance
Robert Rees, SciLeads
Chris Overend, Finnebrogue Artisan
In addition, the award for Outstanding contribution in the field of people development in Northern Ireland, chosen by the judging panel, will be announced at the awards gala, which takes place at Titanic Belfast on Thursday October 6.
Colin Maxwell, Business Manager at media sponsor, nijobfinder, said: “Being shortlisted for these awards is great for your employer brand, and I’m sure will help some of our shortlisted organisations when they are trying to stand out as an employer of choice in what is currently a very tight recruitment market.”
Susan Hayman, Memberships, Networks and Communities Manager with the CIPD said: “Our awards ceremony will celebrate the achievements of people professionals over the past 12 months.
“We know that HR professionals have gone above and beyond to support their organisations and their people over the past year, and whether or not you entered the awards or have reached the finals, it’s a great opportunity to join us to celebrate your hard work with your team.”
“Our awards gala at Titanic Belfast is going to be a fantastic night, with great craic guaranteed with Serena Terry, better known as Mammy Banter, hosting this year’s ceremony.”
Bookings are now open, with tables of 10 and half tables of five available.