Shortlist for awards showcasing the best in HR in Wales

The winners of the HR in Wales Awards will be revealed in May

Businesses and organisations across Wales have been recognised for their outstanding HR and people development practices with the announcement of the shortlist for the second ever HR in Wales awards.

Launched by Lesley Richards, independent HR consultant and former head of the CIPD in Wales, in 2025 with support from industry experts Louise Price (Hugh James), Mera Mann (Human Resourcing), and Paul Harris (Skylite Associates), the HR in Wales awards will celebrate the achievements of HR and people development professionals across Wales with a special lunchtime ceremony.

This year’s awards will take place at the Marriott Hotel, Cardiff on May 1st and will be hosted by former Wales international Alex Cuthbert.

Building on the success of last year’s ceremony, 98 businesses, teams and individuals entered across nine categories, with a shortlist of 53 going forward for judging. The shortlist reflects the achievements of a range of organisations, both large and small, during a year shaped by ongoing economic uncertainty, global challenges and a rapidly changing talent landscape.

Finalists for 2026 include: Atradius, Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, Bangor University, S4C, St John Ambulance Cymru, Welsh Local Government Association, Valleys to Coast, Freshwater and last year’s Learning and Development winner, Mrs Buckét Cleaning Services.

Commenting on finalists, Ms Richards, said: “We are very proud to host the second HR in Wales Awards ceremony and those who show what great HR looks like in practice. The competition this year has been fierce, with an impressive number of entries in the Transformation and Change category in particular.

“After what’s been such a challenging year for so many businesses it’s so incredible to see employers respond to economic uncertainty and turn it into an opportunity to strengthen their workforce and streamline operations. People are at the heart of what we do in HR and people development and The HR in Wales a shortlist truly is a reflection of the life-changing work being done here in Wales.”.

The shortlisted finalists:

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Bangor University.

Cardiff Community Housing Association.

LBS Builders Merchants.

Valleys to Coast.

WJEC CBAC.

Employee Engagement

Atradius.

Cartrefi Cymru Cooperative.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.

Health Education and Improvement Wales.

HPMA Cymru.

Rocialle Healthcare.

Learning and Development

Cardiff Community Housing Association.

Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.

HPMA Cymru.

S4C.

Sweetmans and Partners with Sero.

Siderise.

Transformation and Change

Codi Group.

Health Education and Improvement Wales.

Mrs Buckét Cleaning Services.

Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council.

S4C.

St John Ambulance Cymru.

WCVA.

Talent Management

Bipsync.

Freshwater.

St John Ambulance Cymru.

Welsh Local Government Association.

Wellbeing

Codi Group.

Creditsafe Business Solutions.

Cwm Taf Morganwwg University Health Board.

First Choice Housing Association.

Freshwater.

Individual Impact

Sian Fisher – Confident Style Academy.

Emma del Torto – Effective HRM.

Universal Coaching Alliance Wales.

Ann Rowley – Lighthouse HR.

Gemma Littlejohns – Siderise.

Rosie Sweetman – Sweetmans and Partners with Williams Medical Supplies

Dr Ioan Rees – SYCOL

Rising Star

Alex Davies – Siderise.

Emily Summerhayes – Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board.

Harry Underhill – Creditsafe.

Jen Walters – Principality Building Society.

Sadie Govier – Cardiff Airport.

Sophie Cole – ACT Training.

Tammi Jones – Effective HRM.

Toni Louise Davies – HMPA Cymru / NHS Wales.

Excellence in HR leadership

Angela Overment – St John Ambulance Cymru.

Angie Lewis – Welsh Ambulances Services Trust.

Kate Ablett – Mrs Bucket.

Nadine Beacon – S4C.

Simon Argent – Vishay Newport.

The HR in Wales Awards are supported by Hugh James, Vester Group, Human Resourcing, Lesley Richards Limited, Skylite Associates, HSF Health Plan, ALS/ACT, Monmouthshire Building Society, Welsh Government, Hoop Professional Services and HR, and the CIPD.