The CIPD Awards in Northern Ireland 2025 have officially launched, seeking to recognise outstanding HR professionals and workplace initiatives that are helping to shape a better working environment.
The annual awards, set to take place on 6 March 2025, aim to celebrate individuals and teams who are driving innovative practices, fostering healthy and productive workplaces, and improving the overall employee experience.
Hosted at The Ewart in Belfast, the launch event was attended by business professionals from a variety of sectors. Former winners, including representatives from Fibrus and Northern Ireland Water, shared their success stories and provided advice on how to create a compelling entry for the upcoming awards.
Open to organisations of all sizes and industries, the awards are a significant event in Northern Ireland’s business community. They attract approximately 400 delegates each year and offer 14 categories to showcase excellence in HR and people management.
Categories and New Additions for 2025
The awards, which have become a hallmark of recognition in the HR field, feature categories such as Best Apprenticeship Scheme, Best Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Initiative, and Best Health & Wellbeing Initiative. For the 2025 awards, several new categories have been introduced, broadening the scope of recognition. These include:
- Best HR/L&D and OD consultant or consultancy
- Best people management in an SME
- Best digital and technology initiative in HR/L&D
These new categories reflect the evolving nature of the HR profession, with a focus on digital transformation, consultancy excellence, and people management in small and medium-sized enterprises.
In addition to regional recognition, winners of the Northern Ireland CIPD Awards will gain the opportunity to enter the national CIPD People Management Awards (PMAs) 2025, with one free entry provided as part of their regional success.
Emphasising the Importance of People-Centred Workplaces
Daphne Doody-Green, UK Market Director at CIPD, highlighted the crucial role that these awards play in recognising the contributions of businesses and HR professionals to creating responsible and inclusive workplaces. “In our changed, and changing world of work, the need for responsible and inclusive businesses and quality jobs that can make our communities and economy stronger has never been more important,” she stated. The awards, she added, serve as a platform to acknowledge organisations that are investing in their people, leading to more engaged and productive workforces.
Carol Fitzsimons, Chief Executive of Young Enterprise NI and a judge for the awards, noted that the standard of entries continues to improve each year. She expressed her enthusiasm for the new categories, saying that they will ensure that Northern Ireland is well-represented at the national CIPD People Management Awards, where regional winners will compete against finalists from across the UK.
The deadline for entries for the 2025 CIPD Awards in Northern Ireland, which are sponsored by MCS Group, is 15 November 2024. The winners will be announced at a black-tie gala event on 6 March 2025, hosted at Titanic Belfast.
