More than 30 of Northern Ireland’s leading employers and HR professionals have been shortlisted for the CIPD Awards 2025, which celebrate exceptional HR talent and people teams shaping better work and working lives across the region.
The awards, taking place on 6th March 2025 at Titanic Belfast, feature 14 categories recognising achievements in areas such as flexible working, health and wellbeing, and diversity and inclusion. Nominees include organisations like Collins Aerospace, Northern Ireland Water, and PwC, as well as individuals making significant contributions to HR and people development.
Peter Cheese, chief executive of the CIPD, said: “This shortlist is a very positive reflection of some of the great HR talent in Northern Ireland, and the important impact of their contribution to the success of their organisation and its people, in these critical times of change. My congratulations to all of the shortlist, and for their hard work and commitment to improve their working practices and investing in their employees to create a better future of work and working lives in Northern Ireland.”
Lynn Carson, managing director at DMS Ireland and a member of the judging panel, added: “More employers than ever before are realising the benefits of putting their people first, and this was demonstrated in the exceptional calibre of entries we received this year. As we step into 2025, the way we work and how we work is rapidly changing, but the HR and people talent behind these shortlisted organisations are going above and beyond to adapt to meet the needs of their shifting workforce and business environment. They should be incredibly proud as they really are the backbone of their organisation.”
Categories such as Best HR/OD/L&D Team include nominees like Northern Ireland Water, Thales, and NIE Networks, while organisations shortlisted for Best Health and Wellbeing Initiative include the Almac Group, Simon Community NI, and The Cedar Foundation. Notable individual recognitions include Rising Star of the People Profession, featuring nominees like Caiti O’Neill from Finnebrogue and Laura McMaster from Leprino Foods.
The awards also feature a prestigious accolade for Outstanding Contribution in the Field of People Development in Northern Ireland, the winner of which will be revealed at the event.
Ryan Calvert, head of HR, sales, marketing & legal recruitment for UK and Ireland at MCS Group, the headline sponsor of the awards, said: “With such an outstanding line-up of nominees, this event will once again be an unforgettable evening of recognition and inspiration. We are delighted to be part of the awards, and we look forward to celebrating the excellence and achievements of our local HR community.”
The CIPD Awards in Northern Ireland, hosted by comedy star Emer Maguire, will be a black-tie gala event. Tickets are available to purchase at www.cipdniawards.co.uk.