The 2019 Wales HR Awards finalists have been announced following a record number of entries received from across the country.

Launched in 2017 by leading recruitment agency Acorn and commercial law firm Darwin Gray, the Awards will see 350 HR professionals gather at The Exchange Hotel in Cardiff for a glittering black-tie ceremony to celebrate the success of 34 finalists and discover if they have been chosen to receive one of the evening’s coveted accolades. Several new categories have been announced for 2019, including ‘Best HR Initiative’.

Hosted by the BBC’s Sian Lloyd, the Awards recognise the best HR professionals across a variety of industries – showcasing the outstanding individuals and teams as the best in HR, learning, and people management practice across Wales in the last 12 months. Previous winners include Tai Tarian, Circle IT, Menter a Busnes, Principality Building Society and Gower College Swansea.

Winners will be announced at the awards ceremony on 22nd March, which will feature inspirational keynote speaker Bafta and multi-award-winning television presenter, Lowri Morgan.

Rounding off the celebrations will be entertainment from Rock ‘n’ Roll band Rocket Joe Joe – with more surprises throughout the evening.

Acorn’s Director of Operations Maria Larcombe said:

“The Wales HR Awards is a fantastic platform to recognise the passion and professionalism of HR talent in Wales. We have been delighted by the number of entries, and the outstanding quality of work showcased has made the judging process very difficult. We wish all of our excellent finalists the best of luck and can’t wait to celebrate everyone’s success on the 22nd March.”

Darwin Gray’s Head of Employment Law and HR Fflur Jones added:

“We have been overwhelmed with entries this year, with first class nominations coming from across Wales in a wide range of industries. It’s been great to see entries pour in from North and West Wales, and is a real testament to the Awards’ growing influence as the annual flagship event of the Wales HR Network. All of our finalists should be very proud of their achievement in being shortlisted”.

Awards up for grabs include HR Team of the Year, Best Use of the Welsh Language in HR, Independent HR Consultant of the Year, HR Director of the Year and HR Apprentice/Trainee of the Year, with all winners being selected by a panel of industry professionals. The coveted HR Star award will also be chosen by the judges from the selection of outstanding winners.

The 2019 finalists are:

HR Apprentice / Trainee / Assistant of the year

Rachael Leahy, Gower College Swansea
Emma Beth Smart, Monmouthshire Building Society

Best HR Initiative

Kate Griffiths, Cardiff Community Housing Association
Delyth Williams, Cartrefi Cymunedol Gwynedd
Alice Summers, Conduit Global
Sarah King, Gower College Swansea
Laura Penry, Tata Steel UK

Best use of Welsh Language

Sally Davies, Gower College Swansea
Corinna Lloyd Jones, Menter a Busnes,

Best HR Professional – Digital / IT

Alice Summers, Conduit Global
Emily Webb, Liberty Marketing
Lisa Hand, Sigma Systems
Toni Kemp, Vizolution

Employer of the year

Companies House
Gower College Swansea
Tai Tarian

Best HR Professional – Financial / professional

Emily Webb, Liberty Marketing
Sophie Grant, Target Group

HR Director of the year

Sarah King, Gower College Swansea
Caryl Thomas, HR Dept Cardiff
Toni Kemp, Vizolution

Independent HR Consultant of the year

Stephanie Evans, EffectiveHRM
Caryl Thomas, HR Dept Cardiff
Julie Grabham, JGHR Solutions

Best HR Professional – Manufacturing / Engineering

Mags Kerns, Calbee
Eluned Evans, RPC-BPI
Peter Rees, Vale

Best HR Professional – Public / Third Sector

Sarah King, Gower College Swansea
Carolyn Oliver-Hall, International Baccalaureate
Nicola Leybourne, Wales Co-operative Centre

HR Team of the year

BBC Wales
First Source Solutions
Gower College Swansea
International Baccalaureate
Willmott Dixon Construction Ltd