Categories

Across all categories, and in line with CIPD’s Profession Map, which sets the international benchmark for the people profession, the judges will be looking for you to demonstrate that the work you do is:

  • Evidence-based: your work carries more weight when it’s supported by strong evidence,
  • Outcomes-driven: your work should be driven by understanding of context and outcomes,
  • Principles-led: your decisions, actions and behaviours should be led by clear principles.

Programme Awards

Most Impactful Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Programme
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Employers that are serious about equality, diversity and inclusion and ensure that all policies, practices and procedures are based on the principles of fairness and justice and are proactively regularly checked to identify and remove unfair bias. This award recognises employers who are genuinely dedicated to creating diverse workplaces and inclusive cultures. Becoming a truly inclusive workplace requires openness, transparency and authentic behaviour, driven by a core belief in championing equality of outcomes and impact. Entrants will be required to share proof of the results of their initiatives, as well as detail the process of its implementation.
Best Learning and Development Programme - Public Sector - NEW
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The judges will be looking for entries that demonstrate a strong link between learning and development initiatives and positive organisational performance within Government entities across the region. Successful submissions will demonstrate a culture that promotes learning and self-development, focusing on talent and performance. Entrants should give a clear description of the objectives that promoted their learning culture, drove the approach and explain how effectiveness was measured as well as indicate the context in which these initiatives were implemented.
Best Learning and Development Programme - Private Sector - NEW
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The judges will be looking for entries that demonstrate a strong link between learning and development initiatives and positive organisational performance in privately owned organisations in the MENA region. Successful submissions will demonstrate a culture that promotes learning and self-development, focusing on talent and performance. Entrants should give a clear description of the objectives that promoted their learning culture, drove the approach and explain how effectiveness was measured as well as indicate the context in which these initiatives were implemented.
Best Talent Management Strategy
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In the current tight labour market, with increasing skills shortages, it is more important than ever that organisations have robust talent management strategies in place to attract and retain a diverse pool of employees. This award recognises employers who have designed and implemented a forward-thinking talent management/workforce planning strategy to address the current and future needs of the organisation. Nominees are encouraged to show evidence of how the talent management activity has benefited the business and met business objectives, how it has supported organisational agility, and the impact it will have on meeting future business objectives.
Best Digital Innovation or AI Programme in HR/L&D
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Technology is at the forefront of innovation and transformation. Within HR we are seeing an increased use of digital solutions and the use of AI to maximise human potential. Organisations need to better understand the end users in order to build solutions that enable the business to grow. This award recognizes an organisation that has demonstrated innovative use-cases in AI technology implementation or other innovative digital solutions within HR or L&D that have resulted in measurable business/social impact.
Best Nationalisation Programme
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This award recognises organisations which have been enabling Nationals to realise potential careers and support government visions’ to diversify the economy and create sustainable plans for the future. Successful entries will demonstrate a holistic approach to attracting, training, hiring and retaining Nationals.
Best Employee Engagement Programme
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Employee experience is about creating a holistic approach around employee engagement and well-being that enables workers to have a voice and be their best. It involves understanding the role that trust plays in the employment relationship and making sure people are listened to. This category looks for entries where initiatives are having a clear and positive impact on employee experience and organisational performance.
Best Change Management Programme
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As people professionals, we drive change for the good of the organisation and its people. This award recognizes employers that have successfully delivered a major organisational change programme. As well as making demonstrable contributions to organisational performance, effective change programmes bring positive impacts to employees and/or clearly minimise potential negative impacts.
Best Wellbeing Programme
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This award recognises employers which place employee wellbeing centre stage within the organisation and have embedded a strong culture of workplace wellbeing. Investing in people’s health and wellbeing is good for business but it’s also the right thing to do. Successful programmes will help to prevent ill health and actively promote people’s wellbeing, as well as demonstrating effective rehabilitation and return to work.

Individual and Team Awards

People Team of the Year
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This category recognises an Human Resourcing or Learning & Development team that has worked closely together and efficiently partnered with the business to deliver value through people initiatives and practices. Entrants will be required to give evidence of clear links between operational and financial performance, and provide examples that demonstrate the department’s collaborative approach and ability to attract and develop talent within the organisation.
Employer of the Year
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This award honours an organisation that stood out by putting its people at the heart of the business and implementing practices that resulted in a productive, engaged and motivated workforce. Judges will be looking for organisations that have consistently made efforts to become employers of choice and have a positive and inclusive culture. The winning entry will demonstrate how sound people strategies have been optimised to achieve competitive advantage and retain talent. Entrants will be required to provide details of their diversity & inclusion initiatives, employee engagement rates, turnover, individual and team performance.
Rising Star of the People Profession
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This award recognises a young HR, L&D & OD leader who has set themselves apart in their professional journey by making meaningful impact in their workplace or in their academic pursuits. Nominations can be made for early careers professionals, students currently studying or who completed a CIPD qualification in recent years. Employers, learning centres and universities are encouraged to nominate young talent. Open to: High-potential HR professionals with 3 to 7 years of experience.
Outstanding CIPD Student of the Year
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This award recognises a CIPD student who has set themselves apart through their work ethics and meaningful impact in their workplace or in their academic pursuits. Successful entries will demonstrate the application of CIPD studies, and the student’s individual contribution to the world of work. Learning centres are encouraged to nominate their current CIPD students and encourage tutors to single out outstanding students. Open to: Current CIPD students in the Middle East.
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