HR Leadership and Management Awards showcase best practice in Irish workplaces

With more than 50 companies from across the country entering for 21 awards, competition was fierce at the HR Leadership and Management Awards, an event supported by The Irish Times. Three hundred of Ireland’s top HR managers came together in October to celebrate innovation and achievement.

The prizes were presented at a gala evening at The Crowne Plaza, Santry Demesne, Dublin on October 5th, in a ceremony hosted by comedian, broadcaster and author Colm O’Regan.

The overall excellence in HR award went to Kilkenny-based global fintech company, CluneTech. It had already won two awards on the night: the best flexible working strategy award for its programme called “embedding a culture of flexibility”, plus the best use of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in HR Award.

Rachael Quinlan, head of employee experience and CluneTech, said: “Our people are the driving force behind our #OneTeam culture and we’re incredibly grateful to them, and to our leadership team, both of whom consistently collaborate with us so that we can deliver a best-in-class employee experience, while fuelling growth and innovation right across our suite of global companies.”

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The HR team of the year award went to builders merchant Chadwicks Group, while the HR manager of the year award went to Helen McDowell, head of people partnering at capital markets consultancy First Derivative. Donal Hurley, performance and development team Lead at customer experience platform provider Cyara was named HR rising star of the year.

With Irish employment on the rise month on month since February 2021 and competition to attract and retain talent at a peak, there has never been a more important time to trumpet the role played by human resources experts. This was recognised by the awards’ biggest backer, its impact ambassador, DeCare, a workplace dental benefits provider. Maureen Walsh, its managing director, said: “We proudly support the HR awards as they spotlight excellence in the industry. Recognising outstanding achievements not only celebrates success but also inspires continuous growth and innovation. It’s a testament to the dedication of professionals shaping the future of HR, driving positive change in the workplace.”

Gareth McGrane, HR director at Chadwicks Group, said the awards night was about more than just winning: “We are truly honoured to have received this award and the recognition from the HR Leadership and Management Awards. It is a testament to our unwavering commitment to fostering a culture in the team where every individual’s potential is nurtured and celebrated. A truly fantastic night of celebration for the HR community and we were delighted to be part of it.”

Ciara Connolly, director of commercial recruitment at gold sponsor recruitment firm Excel Recruitment, said: “We proudly support the HR Leadership and Management Awards because we recognise the pivotal role that HR plays within every organisation. HR is intricately linked with both the wellbeing of its employees and the recruitment process. These shared values are perfectly aligned with Excel Recruitment, given our extensive experience recruiting for a diverse spectrum of companies.”

DIY and homeware store Woodie’s was another big winner on the night. It took home awards for the most effective use of internal communications, the best employer branding programme and the most effective employee engagement strategy. “Being shortlisted for Overall Excellence in HR and winning in multiple categories is a testament to the efforts of our HR team whilst also reflecting the incredible support that we receive from colleagues and leaders throughout the business,” said David Nally, head of HR at Woodie’s.

The best workplace award went to aviation finance company Avolon. Ciara Ruane, chief people officer, said: “Our people and how we collaborate are at the heart of Avolon creating a work environment that enables employees to thrive. We have a culture of continuous learning to enhance performance and foster a culture of innovation.”

Award winners were also an inspiration to those who came close. Ken Spratt, secretary general at the shortlisted Department of Transport, said: “The Department of Transport is delighted to receive national recognition for our innovative, inclusive and forward-thinking approach to human resources and to be amongst the best in Ireland as we continue to strive for excellence.”

One of the judges, Breda O’Toole, head of talent transformation and innovation at IDA Ireland, praised the quality of entries: “Overall, you can see more initiatives embracing technology and change, reflected in some entries being consistent with what is needed now post Covid-19 and the increasingly different perspectives about work from employees. It is also important, and I found this year better, to link everything clearly to the business need, a specific challenge or to delivering the company’s strategy. I gave stronger scores to those who clearly did that.

“The HR and Leadership Management Awards are a lovely way to acknowledge an often undervalued area of business and again this year I thought that the efforts HR staff made were phenomenal.”

Speaking at the awards, Kevin O’Driscoll, director partnership programmes at BusinessRiver, said: “Events like this are made possible through the support of sponsors. We are thankful to our 2023 sponsors and professional partners, which include DeCare and Excel. Their investment in the awards underlines their commitment and support of this key business area.”

The HR Leadership and Management Awards are in their 9th year. In addition to impact ambassador DeCare and gold sponsor Excel Recruitment, the awards were backed by supporter Amárach Research. The Irish Times was communications partner.

List of judges

Professor Edel Conway (Judging Co-ordinator), Professor in HRM and organisational psychology, DCU Business School
Mary Collins, PD, RCSI
Jonny Cooper, director, Steering Point
Lorraine Crawford, head of people and organisational, Health and Safety Authority
Lisa Healy, HR director, Obelisk
Rosarii Mannion, national director, Tusla
Dr Sharon McGreevy, lecturer in strategic human resource management, IADT
Nikki Mullin, group people and culture director, Primeline Express
Breda O’Toole, head of talent transformation and innovation, IDA Ireland
Antoinette Quinn, director of human resources, Trinity College Dublin
Michelle Ryan, director, Ryan HRS Ltd
Gayatheri Silvakumer, chief talent officer, APAC, McCann Worldgroup
Jan Smullen, HR director, Mason Hayes & Curran