If your work has made a difference to people or your organisation, the PMAs are your chance to show it.
“The People Management Awards are a wonderful opportunity to celebrate excellence across the people profession. It’s genuinely inspiring to see the passion, impact and pride of those who are shaping better workplaces every day.”
The CIPD People Management Awards 2026 are open for entry. We're inviting HR, L&D and OD professionals from around the world to put their work forward for recognition.
There are 21 categories to choose from, all aligned to the CIPD Profession Map. Whether your focus is wellbeing, reward, people analytics, change or EDI, there's a category for you. You don't need to be a CIPD member to enter. Organisations of any size or sector are welcome.
Entering gives you a moment to reflect on what you've achieved. It raises your profile and your team's. Shortlisted organisations also take part in a live panel judging stage, where they can share what they've learned and connect with others from across the profession. Finalists are invited to the black-tie awards evening on 24 September – a large-scale celebration of the profession's best work.
For students and apprentices, the awards are a practical way to show how you've applied your learning in the real world. There are dedicated categories for you too.
The awards are judged by a panel of experienced practitioners, academics and senior people professionals from across sectors. They bring a range of perspectives to the process, and the live panel stage gives shortlisted entrants a genuine opportunity to discuss their work in depth.
If someone in your network is doing great work, let them know about the PMAs.
Our judges recently shared their advice on how to put together a standout submission. Watch the recording for guidance on the entry kit, entry process and judging criteria.
CIPD members benefit from a discounted entry fee. Student and apprentice entries are just £50 + VAT.
Insights, benchmarking data and recommendations from the CIPD's latest survey on employee benefits
