Search is on for Northern Ireland’s top HR talent and employers shaping better jobs and working lives

The search is on to find Northern Ireland’s top HR talent and employers leading the way in driving better jobs, workplaces and investment in their people, following the launch of the CIPD Awards in Northern Ireland, 2026.

Taking place on 1 October 2026 at the Titanic Belfast, the annual awards are Northern Ireland’s biggest celebration of HR excellence. They recognise the outstanding achievements of HR professionals and people teams who are delivering impactful initiatives to build high-performing, productive and healthy workforces.

Business professionals from a range of organisations attended the launch event - held on 16 April at The Ewart building in Belfast - where this year’s categories were announced. Former winners from organisations such as Continu and Thales also shared their success stories and Judges for this year’s awards shared tips for making a stand-out entry.

Free to enter and open to all organisations - regardless of sector or size - the prestigious CIPD Awards in Northern Ireland attract around 400 delegates each year. With 11 categories, the awards recognise individuals, teams and inspiring initiatives that are shaping better work and working lives.

These categories include:

• Best early careers/apprenticeship programme
• Best learning and development initiative
• Best health and wellbeing initiative
• People team of the year

New categories for 2026, recognising the factors shaping the world of work, are:

• Best in AI, technology and workforce transformation
• Best consultancy or strategic partnership

There is also a highly acclaimed accolade for Outstanding contribution in the field of people development in Northern Ireland. Last year, this award went to Don Leeson FCIPD, the former Chief Executive of the Labour Relations Agency, for his passion and commitment to improving the world of work for people of all ages and backgrounds.

Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development said: 

“The evolving political, business and technological landscape means HR has never been more central or important to helping organisations respond to changing workforce needs - from AI and incoming employment law reforms, to employee wellbeing.

“These awards recognise and celebrate the transformative impact the people profession can have in creating more engaged, resilient and high-performing workforces, which is crucial in the current economic climate.”

Carol Fitzsimons, Chief Executive, Young Enterprise NI - a judge for this year's CIPD Awards in Northern Ireland - adds: 

“Work should always be a force for good, and  these awards truly celebrate the organisations and outstanding people talent who are going above and beyond to create good, fair and healthy work, for the mutual benefit of the business and its people.

“It is our hope that the winners, along with those shortlisted, will help to inspire other businesses across Northern Ireland to make lasting, positive change, so I would encourage organisations of all sizes and sectors to enter.”

The deadline to enter the CIPD Awards in Northern Ireland, 2026 – sponsored by MCS Group - is 19 June 2026. The black-tie gala announcing the winners will be held on 1 October 2026 at the Titanic Belfast.

Find out more information about the CIPD Awards in Northern Ireland, 2026 and enter at:  northernirelandhrawards.cipd.org