A new awards programme to reward and recognise members of the HR and people development community in Wales has been launched by four industry stalwarts.
Independent HR consultant and former head of the CIPD in Wales, Lesley Richards, HR and executive search specialist, Mera Mann, employment partner at Hugh James, Louise Price, and Paul Harris, director at Skylite Associates have joined forces following the CIPD’s (the body representing HR and people development in the UK and globally) decision to pause its awards program in Wales.
The 2025 HR Awards in Wales will build on the momentum and prestige earnt by the CIPD’s annual programme in Wales, giving HR and people development professionals the opportunity to celebrate their work and achievements during a period marked with skills shortages and persistent economic challenges.
The awards will take place at the Marriott Hotel, Cardiff on 14th March 2025 at a lunchtime ceremony hosted by star of The Traitors and advocate for mental wellbeing, Andrew Jenkins.
Lesley Richards said: “We learnt a lot from running the CIPD in Wales’ awards over the last seven years. We didn’t want the community to miss out on what has become a real highlight in the calendar and something organisations and individuals alike use as motivation to strive for greatness.
“The lunchtime event will offer us a slightly different format featuring Andrew Jenkins who will share his incredible personal story and the wellbeing lessons he learnt along the way. We’ve re-jigged the categories and are focusing on people – giving everyone the chance to enter and celebrate successes of their teams and colleagues.”
Categories for the 2025 HR Awards in Wales include:
- Creativity and innovation in HR
- Diversity and inclusion
- Engagement
- Learning and development
- Talent management
- Wellbeing
- Rising star of the profession
- Excellence in HR leadership
- Outstanding contribution to the profession
Judges include some of the most experienced names in the sector including: Neil Lewis (Director of People and Organisational Design – Public Health Wales), Caroline Belasco (Executive Director – Coastal Housing), Mark Stevenson (Chief People Officer – South Wales Police), Tracy Hibbert (Chief People Officer – Bangor University), James Ellis (Head of HR – Celsa Manufacturing), and the CIPD’s own Director of People and Transformation, Amanda Arrowsmith.
Entries for the awards close on 31st of January 2025. More information on the application process, judges and the awards is available at www.hrinwales.co.uk
