CIPD People Management Awards

CIPD People Management Awards 2026

On Thursday 25 September, the sector came together for the CIPD People Management Awards where we shone a spotlight on innovation and creativity in HR, L&D and OD.

Hosted by TV Presenter & Broadcaster, Ben Shephard, we revealed the winners and high commendations who brought their achievements to the biggest stage in our industry.

Your work transforms lives and businesses every day, and this year's finalists represent the absolute pinnacle of dedication and brilliance in the profession.

Thank you to our sponsors and to you for joining us this year.

Missed out? You can now register your interest for 2027.

"The CIPD People Management Awards are a celebration of the sharpest work of people professionals from across the world. They showcase the most impactful innovations of forward-thinking HR leaders, and all that they do to make their organisations the best they can be."

Matt Farquharson - Editorial Director, Wonderly

About the awards

The CIPD People Management Awards are the benchmark of excellence in HR, L&D and OD. We believe that the people profession can be the force for change. Every year we see exceptional entries that reflect the influence and impact that the people profession has on organisations. By entering these Awards you can showcase your best work and get the recognition you and your team deserve.

The Awards are open to all organisations, regardless of sector or size and we welcome entries from International organisations. You do not have to be a CIPD member to enter. There are 21 categories to choose from, which address the areas impacting the people profession today and are based on the shared values and standards in the CIPD Profession map. We encourage entries to reflect the CIPD professional principles by demonstrating that work matters, people matter and professionalism matters.

Each year the black-tie awards evening is hosted in the autumn and provides a fantastic atmosphere and opportunity to celebrate amongst 800 peers. The awards is always the perfect event to attend with your teams, who are the reason for this year's excellent entries and finalists.

Interested in sponsoring The CIPD People Management Awards 2026?

Becoming a sponsor offers you the chance to align your business with the people, teams and companies that are leading the way in the People profession.

As a marketing and business development opportunity, the CIPD People Management Awards offers you the chance to promote your products and services to our audience. Build your brand at our premier events, whether in person or digitally, in our marketing campaigns as well as on the Awards website.

Get in touch! Contact [email protected].

PM Awards Team

Awards enquiries

E: [email protected]

Jade Scaffardi

Sponsorship opportunities

E: [email protected]

P: +44 (0)208 267 8010

CIPD People Management Awards 2026

Irene Adeyinka

Executive Coach & Consultant, IMA Leadership Group

Lutfur Ali

Senior Policy & Practice Advisor, CIPD

Idris Arshad

Head of People, Asthma + Lung UK

Shane Ashby-Roche

Head of Org Development and Culture, The White Company

Sarah Aubrey

Proposition Manager, CIPD

Jamie Bald

HR Manager, Torishima Global Administration

David Bearfield

HR Director, United Nations Development Programme

Meera Bhalla

HR Consultant, Former Civil Service

Sharon Blyfield OBE

Head of Early Careers & Apprenticeships, Coca-Cola Europacific Partners Great Britain Ltd

Jennifer Brown

People and Culture Consultant, Evolutionise Consulting

Dave Buglass

Executive Director, Head of Operational Learning, JP Morgan Chase

Lynn Carson

Managing Director, DMS Ireland

Charles Cotton

Senior Policy & Practice Adviser, Reward, CIPD

Matt Davies

CEO, Hapus People

Toni Davies

Programme Manager for Leadership and Succession (People Profession), HEIW

Leah De Silva

Senior Programme Manager, CIPD Trust

Sarah Dewar

Executive Director of People, Digital and Transformation, Everyturn Mental Health

Daphne Doody-Green

CEO, Bathroom Association

Meg Dunphy

HR Policy and Engagement Manager, CIPD

Nicky Elford

Head of Colleague Propositions and Policy, Lloyds Banking Group

Tony Elliott

Executive Director of People, Robertson Group

Steph Evans-Hill

Group People Director, William Jackson Food Group

Sharon Fernandes

Learning Consultant, CIPD

Becky Flight

Head of Operations, Wintle-Camp Coaching

Beatriz Fuentes

People & Culture Director, DeterTech

Kevin Green

Unit Operations Training Specialist, Muller UK & Ireland

Claire Haigh

Employee Experience Lead, Office for National Statistics

Mila Haviv Lancova

Global Talent Acquisition Lead, CIPD

David Hayden

People Consultant, Talent Delivers

Susan Hayman

Senior Engagement Manager, CIPD

Jenny Hinde

Chief People Officer, Personal Group

Alison Hodgson

Country Director, The CIPD in Ireland

Natalie Horsfall

Head of HR, Thomas Johnstone

Oli Howard

Head of Membership, CIPD

Emma Jayne

CPO, KYN Bickley

Victoria Keith

Talent, Learning & Development Manager, DS Smith

Andy Lancaster

Chief Learning Office and Consultant, Reimagine People Development

Emma Langford

People Director, Busy Bees Nurseries

Hannah Lowery

Head of People and Culture, Far and Beyond

Gail Maclean