Best apprenticeship scheme
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has an exceptional apprenticeship scheme that reflects the overall aims of the organisation and supports the communities it serves.
The level of innovation that Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has demonstrated has continued to push boundaries and extend participation of its apprentices.
WINNER: Hywel Dda University Health Board
The Hywel Dda University Health Board apprenticeship scheme was created in 2019 after identifying challenges and responding to the recent nursing shortages. The scheme was the first in Wales to allow individuals to join the organisation with no qualifications and become a registered nurse.
Since the implementation of the scheme, the number of employees under 25 has increased significantly, along with widened participation from male applicants.
Sponsored by Welsh Government
Best diversity and inclusion initiative
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Coleg Gwent
Coleg Gwent has been dedicated in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace by challenging inequality, overcoming resistance, and breaking down barriers. These efforts have allowed change to prevail for the benefit of current staff and future recruits.
WINNER: Welsh Government
The Diversity in Recruitment team was set up in June 2021 with the specific aim to improve the diversity of the Welsh Government’s workforce. The Welsh Government identified that the way to improve the diversity of the organisation was to ensure that internal and external recruitment processes must be open and fair to candidates with disabilities.
The Welsh Government exhibited both passion and commitment to help people have meaningful careers and extend into roles they would have not considered applying for previously.
Sponsored by Monmouthshire Building Society
Best HR consultant / consultancy
WINNER: Yasmin Neves, Healthy HR Consultancy Ltd
Healthy HR Consultancy provided advice to Gofal Plant Flourish.Cymru Childcare which enabled the organisation to foster an environment where the team was empowered to take responsibility for their actions and wellbeing. A support system with holistic well-being practitioners was also set up to help the team progress and grow.
Healthy HR Consultancy has worked hard to embed wellbeing at the core of HR to create a culture where employees can develop a deeper understanding of themselves in a judgement free space.
WINNER: MoJ Civil Service HR Casework
In order to combat negative HR trends, the Civil Service HR casework and Matchfit created HR Technical Consultancy (HRTC). By analysing and understanding HR trends the HRTC has supported the Civil Service departments in creating sustainable and efficient environments by targeting shortcomings and suggesting viable solutions.
Sponsored by Moxie People
Best hybrid and flexible working initiative
WINNER: Principality Building Society
Principality Building Society took advantage of the challenges presented by the pandemic and used it as inspiration in order to promote a new way of working that steered away from the traditional ‘one size fit all’ approach.
Principality is continuing to build on it’s inspirational working environment at the organisation’s Cardiff HQ to refine these principles and its approach to individualising work patterns for staff across Wales in order to healthy work life balance.
Sponsored by HR Spectrum
Best in-house team
WINNER: Coleg Gwent
Coleg Gwent has worked to transform and progress its HR department in order to increase the effectiveness of its services so that participants at the college can continue to reach their full potential.
In order to create focus and drive change, Coleg Gwent developed their internal knowledge to ensure that all departments are given the opportunity to succeed.
Sponsored by Human Resourcing
Best learning and development / organisation development initiative
WINNER: NMWTRA
After identifying the challenges of recruitment for managerial and leadership roles, North and Mid Wales Trunk Agent began to focus on supporting employees with opportunities to learn and gain experience, as well as develop technical and leadership skills.
The scheme implemented by North and Mid Wales Trunk Agent allows individuals to invest in their professional development and progress their careers as long-term leaders within the organisation.
WINNER: Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
Due to the aftermath of the pandemic, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board developed the Cultural Health Check tool, which enabled the team to detect cultural and behavioural trends and perform diagnostics on the wider team.
This initiative has not only strengthened the culture within the workplace but has allowed individual progress and success with a more targeted approach.
Sponsored by Resolution at Work
Best resourcing and talent management initiative
WINNER: Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
After recognising recruitment challenges in the sector, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board introduced the Kickstart scheme and expanded the Project SEARCH Supported Internship which has provided an effective, innovative talent attraction and development strategy to accommodate future growth.
Since the implementation of the Kickstart scheme, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has filled vacancies by younger people some of which have progressed to take on further roles within the organisation.
Sponsored by Hoop Recruitment
Best resourcing and talent management initiative
WINNER: Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board
After recognising recruitment challenges in the sector, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board introduced the Kickstart scheme and expanded the Project SEARCH Supported Internship which has provided an effective, innovative talent attraction and development strategy to accommodate future growth.
Since the implementation of the Kickstart scheme, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board has filled vacancies by younger people some of which have progressed to take on further roles within the organisation.
Sponsored by Hoop Recruitment
Rising star of the people profession
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Patrycja Nowak – Century Wharf Estates
Patrycja Nowak has made a huge impact on staff and clients. Patrycja has displayed true authenticity, credibility, and passion for Century Wharf Estates.
The human impact on her fellow colleagues, particularly during the pandemic, has been outstanding and inspiring.
WINNER: Rebecca Morgan – Hornbill
As the sole HR employee of Hornbill, Rebecca Morgan has successfully adapted to changing landscapes and has welcomed challenges with sustainable solutions and care. Rebecca has helped to break down stereotypical barriers to create a culture of belonging, value, and care.
The organisation has had its most successful year to date which has come as a result of careful consideration of recruitment and Rebecca’s empathetic approach.
Sponsored by Cardiff Business School
Excellence in HR leadership
HIGHLY COMMENDED: Gareth Way – Creditsafe
Gareth Way’s role focuses on the development and implementation of HR Strategies to facilitate Credisafe’s development.
Gareth has successfully managed a rapid expansion and continued growth, supporting the career development of staff, leading on employee engagement and contributing to the company’s continuing success.
WINNER: Steph Phillips -Associated British Port (WSSP)
Steph has significantly contributed to the company’s performance and successes by putting in place change which has resulted in cost savings, productivity improvements and increased engagement from employees.
As a result, employee engagement has been fully embedded into the company’s ways of working and Steph has shown she has truly built a people centric culture.
Sponsored by Hugh James
Outstanding contribution in the field of people development in Wales
WINNER: Cerys Furlong
Cerys Furlong has supported women across Wales to improve their skills and confidence and enhance their earning potential while also holding businesses to account on equality, diversity and inclusion.
Cerys has played a huge role in community affairs and shaping children and young people’s futures as a school governor and city councillor. Cerys has also previously advised BBC Cymru Wales on equality, diversity and inclusion and been a trusted ear for the Welsh Government on panels on human rights to fair work and women in STEM.
Sponsored by CIPD
Kath Collis award for outstanding impact
WINNER: Claire Roberts, HR for HR
In honour of Kath Collis, Claire Roberts exemplifies everything great and memorable about Kath – and demonstrates the same combination of graciousness and mischief, making a true and lasting impact on the lives of those she works with.
