The Wales HR Awards honoured outstanding HR professionals and organisations for their contributions in 2022.
- Ogi won the prestigious HR Team of the Year award for their exemplary work.
- Sarah King from Gower College Swansea was named the HR Star for her notable achievements.
- Several organisations were recognised for their initiatives in diversity, wellbeing, and response to Covid-19.
- The awards night celebrated the dedication and hard work of HR professionals across Wales.
The Wales HR Awards event, now in its fifth year, continues to highlight the achievements of HR professionals and teams within Welsh businesses, who work diligently to enhance organisational success across the region. The occasion took place at Cardiff’s Parkgate Hotel and was hosted by Sian Lloyd, attracting many distinguished participants from the HR sector.
Ogi, a prominent broadband specialist, swept top honours by clinching the HR Team of the Year award. Their HR Director, Lisa Hand, also distinguished herself by receiving the HR Director of the Year accolade, underlining her leadership and strategic influence within the company.
Gower College Swansea and communications agency Freshwater were both celebrated with two awards each. While Freshwater was honoured as the Employer of Choice and lauded for the Best Response to Covid-19, Gower College Swansea excelled in fields of equality and innovation, earning recognition for the Best Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Best HR Initiative.
Sarah King, HR Director at Gower College Swansea, was acknowledged as the HR Star of the year, a singular recognition that encompasses the highest standards of HR excellence. The honour illustrates her pivotal role in implementing effective HR strategies that align with the institution’s values and objectives.
Other notable winners included Adra, which secured the Best Staff Wellbeing Strategy award, reflecting their commitment to employee health and wellbeing, and jointly with Grŵp Cynefin, took home the Best Use of the Welsh Language Award. The organisation Choose to Grow was recognised as the HR Consultancy of the Year for its outstanding advisory services.
Angela Overment was spotlighted as the Outstanding HR Professional, contributing significantly to the development agency Cwmpas. Her calibre of work exemplifies the critical role played by HR personnel in steering organisational success against challenging scenarios.
The event was collaboratively launched by Acorn and Darwin Gray along with the Wales HR Network, supported by several sponsors including Quantum Advisory and Chwarae Teg, highlighting an exceptional standard of participation and achievement. Bernard Ward, Managing Director at Acorn, praised the high calibre of entries this year, acknowledging the substantial role HR plays in post-pandemic business landscapes.
Fflur Jones, Managing Partner at Darwin Gray, articulated their pride in co-establishing the awards, reinforcing the importance of recognising the unsung efforts of HR professionals. The celebration was not merely an awards ceremony but a testament to the enduring commitment of those working behind the scenes.
The Wales HR Awards effectively illuminated the exceptional dedication and achievements of HR professionals within Wales.
