Louise Price

Partner, Head of Employment and HR Services - Hugh James

Mera Mann

Director - Human Resourcing

Lesley Richards

Director - Lesley Richards Limited  /  Founder - HR in Wales

Paul Harris

Director - Skylite Associates

Hugh James

Lesley Richards Limited

Human Resourcing

Sponsoring Excellence in HR Leadership

Skylite Associates

Amanda Arrowsmith

Nia Bennett

Paul Harris

Neil Lewis

Cathryn Sims

Louise Price

Julie Grabham

Caroline Belasco

James Ellis

Tracy Hibbert

Alison Love

Mark Stevenson

Matt Davies

Gareth Owens

Creativity and Innovation - Winner

Monmouthshire Building Society

Monmouthshire Building Society has led a groundbreaking initiative, resulting in a meaningful impact on both the local community and the organisation. The team's passion and drive has opened doors to careers within a sector that individuals may not previously considered. In their own words, the initiative showed the power of creativity and compassion to spark real change, leaving an indelible mark on everyone involved, proving that when you remove barriers, nurture potential, and believe in people, incredible things happen. 

Diversity and Inclusion - Winner

BBC Cymru

BBC Cymru Wales showcased an initiative that is not only transforming the organisation, but also contributing to the wider Diversity and Inclusion landscape in Wales, serving as a model for other businesses. Demonstrating the importance of passion, creativity and resilience in driving change, and the benefits of intentional inclusion as a means of creating an equitable workplace representative of their audiences, the team achieved measurable outcomes and a lasting cultural impact.  

Learning and Development - Highly Commended

Ogi

Ogi's highly commended award recognizes the remarkable progress that the organization has made in relatively short time. By embedding learning into the organisation's DNA, engaging employees at all levels, and aligning training with strategic goals, they have created an enviable culture of continuous development, resulting in a raft of impressive data-based evidence. 

Learning and Development - Winner

Mrs Buckèt

Not only has Mrs Bucket's initiative driven measurable commercial and operational impact, it also demonstrates the importance of a strong learning and development offer in creating meaningful career opportunities, thereby transforming the perception of a career in their industry. Their agility in prioritising training interventions during a period of sustained growth makes them worthy winners!

Wellbeing - Highly Commended

Vishay Newport showed a truly infectious energy and enthusiasm for increasing employee wellbeing, earning them a highly commended award! This team is a great example to all HR colleagues and management teams that even a small team (or in this case, a dynamic duo) with limited budget can achieve excellent results with the right attitude. 

Wellbeing - Winner

Atradius

The entry from Atradius wasn't just about undertaking more health and well-being initiatives, it showcased an organisation that considers its people as individuals and how it is changing its culture by engaging with the entire business community. Whilst clearly driven by one individual, the sustained commitment to ensuring colleague buy-in demonstrates just what an organization can achieve when everyone works together, putting people at the heart of what they do.  

Engagement and Communications - Winner

In a category with such a high standard of entries, Eco2 Management Systems Limited's entry stood out for the incredible impact of its new zero-cost initiative in such a short time, demonstrating how resourceful, modern approaches to communication can transform engagement, build trust, and foster lasting cultural change. Highlighting how creativity and innovation can drive scalable, impactful change, offers a replicable model for others. 

Talent Management - Highly Commended

Freshwater

Freshwater picked up a highly commended award for it's great example of why quality talent management matters. This early career initiative is designed to ensure that no one is held back by their background and circumstances. Fully aligned with the organisation's talent management programmes, it provides a positive, nurturing head start in the sector.  

Talent Management - Winner

Creditsafe impressed the judges with their incredible efforts and outstanding results – including an 80% reduction in turnover, and £330,000 annual cost savings. The initiative is a great example of transformation driven by strategic vision and a commitment to inclusivity and innovation, positioning the organisation as a leader in talent management.  

Rising Star of the Profession - Winner

James Green

James Green demonstrated an exceptional contribution to his organisation, showcasing his excellent collaboration and ability to build meaningful relationships with the business to deliver outstanding results. His dedication, innovative mindset, and ability to drive positive change was evident, making him one to watch, with a promising future, and a very deserving recipient of the Rising Star award.  

Excellence in HR Leadership - Highly Commended

Lisa Hand

This was perhaps the most difficult year for the judges of this category with a very accomplished shortlist, Lisa Hand (Ogi) picked up a highly commended award, recognizing her visionary leadership and impact that extends beyond the workplace into national policy and people-first transformation. She has played a pivotal role in growing their organisation while embedding a culture of equality, leadership development, and employee well-being. Her ability to balance organizational excellence with industry-wide influence makes her a true HR leader.  

Excellence in HR Leadership - Winner

Rachael Tate

A trailblazer in HR leadership, Rachael Tate's (National Fostering Group) strategic vision and dedication has set new standards across the organisation in employee wellbeing and business transformation, leading it to be recognised as one of the UK's best workplaces. Through her advocacy, innovation, and commitment to social change, she is not only shaping HR policies, but transforming lives across Wales and the UK. 

HR in Wales Special Award

Matthew Gibbs

Recognising excellence in volunteering, and as a tribute to our colleague Araf Haq, Matthew Gibbs picked up the first HR in Wales Special Award.

Judges never cease to be amazed by the quality of the many submissions received. In amongst the incredible work delivered by small, medium and large organisations, there is sometimes one entry that stands out for very different reasons.

And this year was no different. Armed with little budget, pulling together, shaping and motivating a team of peers, engaging expert speakers and focusing on practical and policy issues, this person embodies the passion and commitment of the many volunteers that keep our networks alive.  

Outstanding Contribution to the Profession

Mark Stevenson

The first HR in Wales Award for outstanding contribution to the people profession went to Mark Stevenson.

With an illustrious 25 year career (and counting!) in both the private and public sector, he has spearheaded campaigns and sat on UK-wide industry boards to ensure a strong voice in driving improvements across the profession. As a true leader, he is also passionate about developing future leaders and is instrumental in shaping senior leadership across the Welsh Public Sector.

His approach to the profession is consistent - keep people at the centre of thinking and your organisation will sustain and thrive. Easy to say, but mission difficult when it comes to formulating the right strategy and ensuring its successful implementation at every level of the organisation. But his ability to identify and navigate the complexities of an ever changing world with good humour and sharp wit has allowed him to unite and inspire those around him.

An experienced and grounded strategic leader, pragmatic and commercially minded, a trusted advisor, a willing guide to others, at the forefront of debates around critical HR discussions, and a champion of all things HR in Wales, Mark has already made a lasting impact.