Entries are now open for Wales’ leading HR and people professionals to nominate themselves and their teams for recognition as the HR in Wales Awards return for a third consecutive year in 2027.
Initially launched in 2025 by Lesley Richards, independent HR consultant and former head of the CIPD in Wales, this year marks the 10th anniversary of her involvement in delivering HR awards in Wales – the first six being under the CIPD Wales umbrella.
The upcoming awards will see a few changes in response to industry feedback as they continue to honour the dedication, creativity and impact of outstanding HR and people development practices across Wales.
Categories have been refined with new awards introduced for 2027, including: Future of Work, People Team of the Year, Pathway into Practice and Leading Beyond. The application process has also been streamlined to make nominating easier, with the extended entry window giving applicants until 23:59 on Friday 9 April to submit their application.
The winners will be announced at a lunchtime ceremony at Cardiff’s Marriott Hotel on Friday 21 May with tickets for the event available now. Previous ceremonies have been hosted by former Wales rugby international and Prostate Cymru ambassador, Alex Cuthbert, and Traitors finalist and mental wellbeing advocate, Andrew Jenkins, with next year’s host yet to be announced.
Commenting on the return of the awards, Lesley Richards, said:
“Over the past couple of years, we’ve been blown away by the quality and scope of work happening within the people industry in Wales. Thanks to valuable industry feedback, the 2027 awards will be better than ever, and we can’t wait to continue celebrating Wales’ leading HR talent.
“If you’re proud of an initiative you helped develop or know of someone in the people profession who’s made a real difference to their colleagues, we want to hear from you.”
Winners for 2026 included: Cartrefi Cymru Cooperative, Cardiff Community Housing Association, Siderise, S4C, St John Ambulance Cymru and Creditsafe Business Solution among others.
Next year’s awards will be judged by a panel of 30 new and returning industry professionals including: Caroline Belasco (Executive Director of People – Beacon Cymru Group), Gareth Owen (Head of HR Policy – Welsh Government), Mark Stevenson (Chief People Officer – South Wales Police), Neil Lewis (Director of People and Organisational Design – Public Health Wales), and Louise Price (Head of Employment and HR Services – Hugh James).
The categories for 2027 are:
Initiatives
- Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
- Employee Engagement
- Future of Work
- Learning and Development
- Talent Management
- Transformation and Change
- Wellbeing
People
- Individual Impact
- People Team of the Year
Individuals
- Rising Star
- Pathway into Practice
- Leading Beyond
The HR in Wales Awards are supported by Welsh Government, Hugh James, Lesley Richards Limited, and Skylite Associates with more sponsors to be announced.
For more information on the HR in Wales Awards 2027 and for details on how to enter visit: www.hrinwales.co.uk.
