The top HR and people development talent in Wales has been recognised at the 2026 HR in Wales Awards, building on the huge success of last year’s inaugural ceremony.
Held at the Marriott Hotel in Cardiff, the awards were launched in 2025 by Lesley Richards, independent HR consultant and former head of the CIPD in Wales, to recognise the crucial role of the people profession in the workplace. This year’s awards saw another record number of entries from organisations across Wales.
The outstanding contributions of six organisations and four individuals were acknowledged at the lunchtime ceremony, with fierce competition across the categories demonstrating the breadth of impactful work being done within the industry in Wales. This year’s winners include some of Wales’ top businesses and organisations including: S4C, St John Ambulance Cymru, Cartrefi Cymru Cooperative, Cardiff Community Housing Association and Creditsafe Business Solutions.
Lesley Richards said: “We’re proud to have been able to celebrate the remarkable contributions of leading industry talent for a second year running. It was fantastic to see so many strong entries for this year’s HR in Wales Awards, the winners really are a testament to all the transformative work being done in Wales, despite ongoing economic uncertainty and budget pressures.
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to our sponsors and partners who joined us in celebrating the outstanding achievements of those who have been practicing great HR in Welsh workplaces. Congratulations to all winners and entrants.”
Among the four individuals recognised at the awards were Sadie Govier of Cardiff Airport and Nadine Beaton of S4C, winning in the Rising Star of the Profession and Excellence in HR Leadership categories respectively.
Rosie Sweetman from Cardiff-based Sweetmans and Partners, was also recognised in the Individual Impact category for her intelligent and adaptable approach to group coaching for her work with Williams Medial Supplies.
The special recognition for Outstanding Contribution to the People Profession this year was awarded to Anne Middleton, HR Manager at Atradius, in recognition of the vast contribution she has made to the profession across Wales and beyond over the last 35 years. Anne’s achievements include playing a pivotal role in the establishment of the Welsh Financial Services Graduate Programme and leading the HR function for a global workforce of nearly 4,000 people.
Cartrefi Cymru Cooperative took home the accolade for Employee Engagement, with judges noting that its meaningful and impactful approach and efforts to recognise achievements at all levels made the business stand out. Cardiff-based Creditsafe Business Solutions was awarded in the Wellbeing category, while Cardiff Community Housing Association was recognised for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
Welsh language broadcaster S4C won the award for Transformation and Change with the judges applauding the organisation’s genuine cultural improvements which they say have helped staff to act with pride, clarity and autonomy.
Manufacturing firm, Siderise, which is based in Maesteg, was recognised for Learning and Development while St John Ambulance Cymru took home the award for the Talent Management category, with the judges impressed by its human-first approach to recruitment.
Commenting on S4C’s win in the Transformation and Change category, Nadine Beaton said:
“The win for the Transformation and Change category is a reflection of the hard work of the whole organisation and its commitment to cultural change. We couldn’t be prouder. It’s a pleasure to lead such an exceptional people and culture team. I try and make it my job to employ people who are better than me and it must be working!”
This year’s awards were judged by a panel of 18 recognised industry professionals including: Caroline Belasco (Executive Director of People – Beacon Cymru), Gareth Owen (Head of HR Policy – Welsh Government), Amanda Arrowsmith, (Executive Director of People and Organisational Design – Royal British Legion), Mark Stevenson (Chief People Officer – South Wales Police), Julie Grabham (Director – JG HR Solutions Limited), Neil Lewis (Director of People and Organisational Design – Public Health Wales), and James Ellis (Head of HR – 7 Steel UK).
The awards were also supported by industry experts Louise Price (Hugh James), Mera Mann (Human Resourcing), and Paul Harris (Skylite Associates).
The winners of The 2026 HR in Wales Awards are:
| Category | Winner |
| Employee Engagement | Cartrefi Cymru Cooperative |
| Equality, Diversity and Inclusion | Cardiff Community Housing Association |
| Individual Impact | Rosie Sweetman, Sweetmans and Partners |
| Learning and Development | Siderise |
| Talent Management | St John Ambulance Cymru |
| Transformation and Change | S4C |
| Wellbeing | Creditsafe Business Solutions |
| Rising Star of the Profession | Sadie Govier, Cardiff Airport |
| Excellence in HR Leadership | Nadine Beaton, S4C |
| Outstanding Contribution to the People Profession | Anne Middleton, Atradius |
The 2026 HR in Wales Awards are sponsored by Hoop Professional Services & HR, Monmouthshire Building Society, CIPD, ACT and ALS, Human Resourcing, Welsh Government, HSF Health Plan UK, Vester Group, Lesley Richards Limited, Skylite Associates and Hugh James.
