Ireland’s most prestigious awards for the people profession boast four new categories to showcase excellence across the profession
The 2026 CIPD HR Awards in Ireland are now open – with even more reasons to get involved this year than ever. If your team is delivering meaningful change, this is your chance to get the recognition you deserve.
For the first time, national winners will also get the opportunity to enter the CIPD People Management Awards (PMAs) for free. This means your achievements could also be recognised right across our ever-growing global community, not just in Ireland. It's now quicker and easier than ever to enter, and updated categories better reflect the evolving challenges and opportunities you face every day.
“These awards reflect the evolving role of the people profession – one that’s not only strategic and data-driven but also deeply human. They celebrate the resourcefulness, resilience and leadership of people professionals across Ireland – and aim to inspire others.”
This year, we’ve introduced four new categories – recognising both emerging priorities and long-standing areas of focus:
Organisations around the globe are grappling with technological advances, shifting demographics, evolving employee expectations and increasing economic and political uncertainty. The role of the people function has never been more critical.
The CIPD HR Awards celebrate your vital contribution. The 2026 programme is set to showcase the breadth and depth of people practice today. We’ll be shining the spotlight on those who drive success while championing the people profession and supporting the development of other professionals.
From shaping inclusive cultures and developing future-fit leaders to harnessing data, enabling growth and leading digital transformation – we want to hear about your achievements.
“Each year our awards reveal how much impact is being made by professionals who drive strategy and support people through transformation. Taking part is a moment to reflect on your progress and contribute to a stronger, more connected profession.”
Entries are open from 21 August until 15 October 2025. The winners will be celebrated at our awards ceremony on 13 February 2026, at the Round Room at the Mansion House in Dublin.
If your team is leading the way in creating a better world of work, we want to hear from you. Enter the 2026 CIPD HR Awards and help us celebrate the power of people in driving positive change.
To launch this year’s awards, we brought together past finalists, winners and judges for a lively panel discussion and behind-the-scenes insights into what makes an award-winning entry.
Discover more about the CIPD HR awards in Ireland and what’s new this year.
Find out more about attending the CIPD HR Awards in Ireland.
Meet the winners of the CIPD HR Awards in Ireland.
Read all the latest updates about the CIPD HR Awards in Ireland.
