The 2024 CIPD Awards in Wales celebrated outstanding HR achievements.
- Held at Cardiff City Stadium, the ceremony had a record number of entries.
- Over 80 finalists competed across nine categories at the annual event.
- Noteworthy winners demonstrated resilience amid challenging circumstances.
- Key awards highlighted equality, wellbeing, and rising stars in HR.
The 2024 CIPD Awards in Wales, held at Cardiff City Stadium, served as a distinguished platform to honour remarkable achievements in HR and people development. The event showcased more than 80 finalists competing across nine distinct categories, setting a new record for entries and underscoring the importance of these awards within the HR community.
This year’s awards recognised the exceptional performance of 14 organisations and nine individuals who excelled amidst significant industry challenges, including budget constraints and a skills shortage impacting recruitment across sectors. The recognition of these achievements highlights the adaptability and resilience of Welsh HR teams, providing much-needed recognition in a climate of economic uncertainty.
Among the celebrated organisations, Wales & West Utilities was awarded the Best Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Initiative for the private sector. Reflecting on its triumph, the company noted the challenge in quantifying the impact of its initiatives, but emphasised the importance of incremental progress and consistency in fostering an inclusive workplace. “We see this change as ongoing,” they noted, with employees increasingly engaging in learning and dialogue on these crucial issues.
Phil Hawkins, a recipient of the Rising Star of the People Profession award, shared insights into his career transition from data analytics to HR, driven by a desire to work more closely with people. He described his career shift as a journey towards professional fulfilment, facilitated by supportive colleagues and a willingness to take risks for personal happiness and contribution to organisational goals.
Awen Cultural Trust received the award for Best Wellbeing Initiative, recognised for prioritising employee mental health and wellbeing. The organisation’s authentic approach, including leadership transparency about personal mental health struggles, has fostered a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable discussing their own challenges. This openness has led to positive employee responses and broader discussions across the company, emphasising the power of inclusivity and genuine care in promoting workplace wellbeing.
The 2024 CIPD Awards in Wales exemplified excellence and resilience in HR, recognising individuals and organisations that are leading the way in the field.
