Sisk, Tayto and TE Connectivity honoured at CIPD HR Awards

A campaign to address entrenched cultural norms in the construction sector has been recognised at the CIPD HR Awards in Ireland during a gala ceremony at Dublin’s Mansion House. 

The CIPD is the professional body for HR and people development and its awards celebrate innovation, excellence and progress within the people profession.

This year’s top prize in ‘Equality, Diversity and Inclusion’ went to John Sisk & Co for its ‘It’s Only Banter’ workshops which were completed by three-quarters of employees. 

Tayto Snacks was honoured with two awards picking up top prize for ‘Organisational Change and Transformation Initiative’ for its once-in-a-generation relocation and upgrade of manufacturing and support functions. It was also named ‘People Team of the Year’ for its best-in-class approach to HR and strategically embedding people at the heart of the business. 

A new award for the innovative use of Artificial Intelligence was won by Galway’s TE Connectivity. The design and manufacturing company adopted an employee-centric approach to AI to improve workflows and engagement.

Alison Hodgson, the CIPD’s Country Director, said:

“This year’s winners demonstrate the powerful impact that people-focused leadership can have on organisational performance, culture and long-term resilience. The quality of the entrants this year was exceptional and represent a vast range of small, medium and large companies as well as public sector organisations. Together, they are embracing new technologies responsibly, tackling challenging workplace behaviours and managing large-scale transformation. At a time of rapid change, they are investing in skills, wellbeing and engagement in ways that will help their people and their organisations thrive in the years ahead.”

Other award winners include Work Matters and Cluid Housing for their strategic partnership; Prosperous Financial won HR Excellence in a Small Business; and Martha Ryan, Director of Human Resources and ESG Lead at Boots was named Most Inspirational and Impactful Leader. 

Notable public sector winners include a project run by the Department of Public Expenditure to support people who have taken time out of work for at least two years to relaunch their careers; the Civil Services ICT Apprenticeship; and An Garda Siochana’s trainee recruitment campaign. 

For the first time, the winners will advance to the CIPD People Management Awards in London.

Full details of the winners announced at the ceremony are available here. Entries for the 2027 edition of the awards will open in September.