Reflections on the CIPD People Management Awards 2023: A Night of Excellence in the HR, L&D, and OD Sectors

Last night, I was so lucky to attend the absolutely illustrious CIPD People Management Awards. It was a dazzling affair, highlighted by CIPD's new rebranding in a captivating shade of purple. From the décor to the exquisite and magnificent blackberry pudding, everything echoed the spirit of change and innovation that the CIPD represents. I'm not usually one of those people that photographs their food, but this had to be captured! Having many years been both entrant and finalist, this was my turn to sit on the judges table, which is an honour and a privilege.

A Night Celebrating Excellence

As a judge for the category of 'Best L&D Initiative Public/ Third Sector,' I was just so impressed by the remarkable quality of the submissions. The entries were of the highest calibre and did justice to the benchmarks of excellence the awards stand for. I offer my warmest congratulations to Community Integrated Care, who took home the award for this category. I also commend The OCM for receiving a high commendation, and to recognise all of the finalists who made the judges job so hard: Accenture with the Metropolitan Police Service, Mindset Practice with Defence Science Technology Laboratory, and The Harpur Trust.

The Awards have a broad and inclusive approach, seeking to cover all facets of the people profession. They are open to organisations of all sizes and sectors, even extending an invitation to international entities. Notably, you do not have to be a CIPD member to enter.

A Crucible of Change

What stood out this year, yet again, was the diverse and impactful work being done in the HR, L&D, and OD spaces.

Each year, the finalists and winners exemplify the force for change that the people profession can be, aligning with the CIPD's professional principles that work matters, people matter, and professionalism matters.

A Sparkling Host

The evening was further elevated by the sparkling presence of Ellie Taylor, our special guest for the night. Known for her insightful commentary on women’s issues on The Mash Report, Ellie brought her unique blend of humour and wit to the stage, seamlessly connecting with the ethos of our profession—that people matter. In a sector that often grapples with issues of diversity, inclusion, and equality, her contributions resonated profoundly... and she also had us laughing like drains - I will never look at a flapjack in the same way again!

The Role of HR in Business

In today's dynamic business landscape, the Human Resources, Learning & Development, and Organisational Development sectors are increasingly recognised as pivotal forces for meaningful change within organisations. The traditional purview of HR as mere administrators of employment policy has been dramatically transformed. Today, these professionals are strategic partners aligned with organisational objectives, actively engaged in sculpting workplace culture, talent development, and operational excellence.

This paradigm shift is reflective of an evolving understanding within the industry that the role of HR, L&D, and OD is not confined to transactional duties. Instead, these professionals are deeply implicated in driving business results by equipping employees and leaders with the necessary skills and competencies to reach their full potential. This broadening of scope entails a multidisciplinary approach, encompassing elements of psychology, business strategy, and even technology, to create integrated solutions that serve both employees and the organisational objectives.

What this attests to is a matured conceptualisation of the HR function as a transformative agent within the business landscape. This entails not merely reacting to changes but proactively shaping processes and policies that foster innovation, efficiency, and most importantly, human well-being. As stewards of this change, professionals in HR, L&D, and OD are more crucial than ever in influencing and implementing strategies that resonate with both the workforce and business goals, thus demonstrating the profound impact these sectors have in shaping the future of organisations.

So, as we celebrate the triumphs of professionals in these sectors at the CIPD Awards, we are also acknowledging the broader significance of their work. Their contributions, exemplified by the high calibre of the entries this year, serve as a testament to the invaluable role these professions play in the business context.

Looking Ahead to 2024

If this piques your interest, now is the perfect time to register for next year's awards. By doing so early, you give yourself ample time to put forth your best work, thus elevating the quality of entries for 2024. I am counting down already!

A Night to Remember

Lastly, the evening wouldn’t have been as delightful without the company of my wonderful and welcoming colleagues from the CIPD and the industry. Sitting at a table with such inspiring individuals reminded me why events like these are more than just awards; they are a celebration of the incredible community that is driving change across organisations.

Here's to another year of excellence, innovation, and meaningful impact for our profession!

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