The CIPD Awards in Northern Ireland culminated in a night of recognition and celebration last night, as the winners were announced at a glittering awards ceremony at Titanic Belfast. The event, which was attended by 350 people professionals, was hosted by actress and presenter, Denise Van Outen.

The CIPD Awards in Northern Ireland shine a spotlight on the individuals, teams, initiatives and strategies championing better work and working lives in Northern Ireland.

The 2023 awards comprised of 11 categories, covering all aspects of HR and L&D.

CIPD Awards in Northern Ireland

Lee Ann Panglea, Head of the CIPD in Scotland and Northern Ireland said: “It was fantastic to be back in Titanic Belfast celebrating the positive impact that the people profession has on work and working lives in Northern Ireland and further afield.”

“My fellow judges and I were hugely impressed with the quality of entries this year, and we really enjoyed hearing our shortlisted entrants bringing them to life on judging day. Many congratulations to everyone who was shortlisted, and to all of this year’s winners and highly commended entrants.”

“Thanks to our judges for taking so much time to ensure that we have a rigorous judging process, to MCS Group, our headline sponsor, our media partner nijobfinder and to all our sponsors and guests for making this year’s awards so special.”

Ryan Calvert, Head of Human Resources, Sales & Marketing Recruitment at MCS Group said: “MCS Group is proud to be part of this amazing sector, and we’re delighted to continue our sponsorship of the CIPD Awards in Northern Ireland this year, which celebrate the positive impact people professionals in Northern Ireland are having on their organisations and the people that work in them.

“We had a fantastic night celebrating the outstanding HR talent that exists here in Northern Ireland, recognising the fantastic contribution to their workplaces. Congratulations to all the finalists for getting to this stage, and a huge congratulations to all the winners.”

Colin Maxwell, Business Manager at nijobfinder said: “Congratulations to all the remarkable winners of the CIPD Awards in Northern Ireland. Your outstanding achievements in the field of HR and people management are truly commendable, and you serve as an inspiration to us all. Keep up the fantastic work!”

The winners of The CIPD Awards in Northern Ireland

Best HR student

Sponsored by Think People
Winner: Eimear Duffy (Vyta)
Highly Commended: Beth MacDougall (Ernst & Young)

Best flexible working strategy

Sponsored by Worthingtons
Winner: Musgrave

Best inclusion and diversity strategy

Sponsored by Diversity Mark
Winner: First Derivative – Winner
Highly Commended: Coca-Cola HBC

Excellence in L&D/OD

Sponsored by Hunter Savage
Winner: CDE Group
Highly Commended: Danske Bank

Best resourcing and talent strategy

Sponsored by PwC
Winner: Department for the Economy, The Executive Office and Department of Finance – Winner
Highly Commended: Northern Ireland Water

Best employee voice programme