Blog » The CIPD Awards Shortlist 2023

The CIPD Awards Shortlist 2023

25th August 2023

The CIPD has announced the shortlist for the CIPD Awards in Northern Ireland.

Across 11 categories, the awards celebrate the individuals, teams and organisations that are championing better work and working lives in Northern Ireland. 

Lee Ann Panglea, Head of the CIPD in Scotland and Northern Ireland, congratulated the shortlisted entrants. “Heartfelt congratulations to everyone who has earned their place on this year’s shortlist. The standard was incredibly high, and the judges’ scores were very tight across several categories,” she said.

“We look forward to celebrating with our shortlist, winners and the wider HR and business community at Titanic Belfast on 12 October.”

“With Denise Van Outen hosting this year’s awards, the event promises to be a fun-filled celebration of the positive impact that talented people professionals in Northern Ireland have on work and working lives.”

The entries were scored by a panel of 12 senior people professionals, including HR leaders from some of NI’s largest employers. All of the finalists have been invited to Belfast next month to expand on their entries in person, so the judges can agree on the winners.

Ryan Calvert, Head of HR, Sales & Marketing recruitment for UK and Ireland at headline sponsors MCS Group said: “The CIPD Awards in Northern Ireland is such a prestigious event, an opportunity for the HR profession to come together and celebrate success, reflecting on the impact HR professionals make on organisations here in Northern Ireland. With such a high calibre of entries, being shortlisted is a fantastic achievement, and a testament to the great work you are doing.”

“Many congratulations to everyone who has made it to this stage, and best of luck in your upcoming interview with the judges.” 

The shortlist

Best HR student 

Sponsored by Think People

Beth MacDougall (Ernst & Young) 

Caitlin Sweeney (Lakeland Dairies) 

Eimear Duffy (Vyta) 

Best flexible working strategy  

Sponsored by Worthingtons Solicitors

ACSERT 

Musgrave 

Best inclusion and diversity strategy  

Sponsored by Diversity Mark

Coca-Cola HBC 

Danske Bank 

FinTrU 

First Derivative 

Northern Ireland Electricity Networks 

Excellence in L&D/OD  

Sponsored by Hunter Savage

Catalyst 

CDE Group 

Danske Bank 

PwC 

Best resourcing and talent strategy  

Sponsored by PwC

Allen & Overy 

Business Services Organisation – HR 

Department for the Economy, The Executive Office and Department of Finance 

Musgrave 

Northern Ireland Water 

Best employee voice programme  

Sponsored by Labour Relations Agency

Catalyst  

Danske Bank  

Fibrus 

Northern Ireland Electricity Networks 

Best apprenticeship scheme

Sponsored by Workplus

Collins Aerospace 

Northern Ireland Electricity Networks 

Sensata Technologies 

Impactful health and wellbeing at work  

Sponsored by Lewis Silkin

Almac Group 

Catalyst 

Department for Communities 

Northern Ireland Water 

South Eastern Regional College (SERC) 

Southern Health & Social Care Trust 

Rising star of the people profession 

Sponsored by Queens University Management School

Dylan Loughlin (Copacetic Business Solutions Ltd) 

Laura White (Irwin M&E) 

Lucy Bickerstaff (IOA Personal Lines Ltd) 

Molly Keers (PwC) 

Best people team  

Sponsored by Danske Bank

Coca-Cola HBC 

Energia Group 

Fibrus 

Finnebrogue 

First Derivative 

Northern Ireland Water 

The winner of the prestigious Outstanding contribution award, which was open for nominations for the first time this year, will be announced at the awards gala.


Colin Maxwell, Business Manager at media sponsor, nijobfinder, said: “nijobfinder are once again thrilled to be the media partners of the CIPD Awards and we are excited to witness the celebration of excellence and achievement in the local HR community. With a stellar lineup of nominees and a dedicated team behind the scenes we have no doubt that this event will once again be an unforgettable evening of recognition and inspiration.”

Bookings are now open, with tables of ten and half tables of five available. 

Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the celebrations with your team and clients! Find out more at cipdniawards.co.uk 

Keep up to date with the latest news and views on the NI job market and more by following the nijobfinder blog.

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