Delivered by the CIPD, the professional body for HR and people development, in partnership with People Management magazine, the awards are the most prestigious in the HR industry. They celebrate outstanding achievement in people management and learning and development, as well as the valuable contribution that HR and L&D professionals make to the overall success of an organisation.

The awards were divided into 19 categories and were open to all types of organisation, regardless of size or sector. itsu was crowned category winners of the Best HR/L&D team of the year and overall winners for its campaign to celebrate the work of its fish cutters, a crucial but under-appreciated part of the workforce. The campaign turned itsu’s fish cutters into ‘fish pros’, by investing in training and development, engagement, recruitment and performance management. While the investment was substantial, the subsequent decrease in labour costs and increase in applications, retention and employee engagement was more significant. The judges agreed that the project was a great example of innovation and creativity that connected with business objectives but also displayed the full range of HR and L&D skills needed to make it successful.

Peter Cheese, Chief Executive at the CIPD, said: “Last night’s awards enabled us to celebrate the fantastic work of the very best of the HR and L&D profession. Those that won demonstrated people management and development initiatives that were not only original and creative, but also made a real difference to people at work and very importantly to positive business outcomes. Across recruitment, well-being, diversity and volunteering, and from SMEs to international organisations, we continue to see the rising standard of entries and of practice.

“All of our winners should be very proud of what they have achieved and their much deserved recognition. As the overall winner, itsu’s campaign was innovative but sustainable, recognising and celebrating the talents of the entire workforce and showing a commitment to them as valued employees. Through this initiative, itsu has shown other organisations in the food and drink industry the remarkable impact that valuing employees can have on engagement, retention and even on customers. They should be extremely proud of the work they have done, and we congratulate them and all of our other winners.”

Mike Beesley from headline sponsor Resource Management, said: “Having returned to sponsor the CIPD People Management Awards for the third consecutive year, we are delighted to report that this was yet another exceptional ceremony. The industries and people diversity brought a huge variety of achievements to the table and we offer our sincerest congratulations to all of those who received an award. Thanks to the CIPD for another successful year of the People Management Awards and for holding a fantastic evening to appropriately honour the industry achievements we came together to celebrate.”

In addition to the overall winner, awards were given to winners from each category, chosen by an expert panel of judges:

Best change management initiative - Christchurch and East Dorset Councils

Best diversity and inclusion initiative - Skanska UK

Best employee engagement initiative - Northern Ireland Electricity Networks

Best international HR initiative - AstraZeneca

Best health and well-being initiative - Cornwall Council

Best L&D initiative, private sector - Supergroup

Best L&D initiative, public/third sector - Police Now

Best recruitment and talent management initiative - Royal Mencap Society

Best reward initiative - Midland Heart

Best SME people management initiative - Ammeon

Best coaching and mentoring initiative - Ministry of Justice Civil Service HR Casework

Best digital initiative in HR/L&D - Wrightington, Wigan and Leigh NHS Foundation Trust

Best employer-supported volunteering programme - Wythenshawe Community Housing Group

Best apprenticeship scheme - BT Fleet

Michael Kelly outstanding student award, intermediate and foundation level - Melissa Venner, Liquid Personnel

Michael Kelly outstanding student award, advanced level - Jodie Gilbert, Flowcrete Group

Best HR/L&D supplier - MTD Training

Best HR/L&D consultancy - Cirrus

Best HR/L&D team of the year - Itsu

The headline sponsor was Resource Management and category sponsors were Accenture, Cascade, CIPHR, Investors in People, Sodexo and The Open University.

For more information on this year’s winners, visit: www.cipdpmas.co.uk

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