Wales & West Utilities has scooped the ‘Best In-house’ HR team in the CIPD Wales Awards 2021.

The gas emergency and pipeline service beat off stiff competition to take gold, with CIPD Wales holding the team up as an example of one that has worked together to demonstrate excellence in people management and development to deliver value through people interventions that achieve and sustain business success.

The CIPD Wales Awards 2021 were held to showcase and celebrate the very best in human resources and people development practice across Wales.

Sarah Hopkins, Wales & West Utilities People & Engagement Director, picked up the award and said:

“We are delighted to win this coveted award – it’s testament to the continued hard work of our team in adapting to the demands of the pandemic.

“We are all aware that the pandemic continues to present ever-increasing challenges and the demands on the HR profession is no different. As employers we are focussed on adapting to the changing world of work, while making sure we look after our colleague’s wellbeing and safety.

“We’re proud to be recognised as a business that has risen to the challenges we face, and we remain committed to making Wales & West Utilities an even better place to work.”

Lesley Richards, head of CIPD Wales, said:

“After an extremely challenging couple of years for everyone, we were thrilled to be able to finally host the fourth CIPD Wales Awards ceremony.

“There has never been a more crucial time to spotlight those individuals and teams that worked tirelessly throughout the global pandemic to ensure HR and people development continued to provide its service. The individuals, businesses and organisations celebrated at this year’s awards have shown how they can adapt and capitalise in difficult, unforeseen times and deserve a huge congratulations.”

Wales & West Utilities has also been awarded Silver accreditation against the Investors in People Standard, demonstrating their commitment to high performance through good people management.

In winning the award Wales & West Utilities has demonstrated that its HR team has collectively responded to the challenges of the last year with innovative and unique approaches, highlighting its ability to quickly re-evaluate and re-focus people strategies to provide solutions that have contributed to and supported individuals, teams and the business throughout a period of unchartered and unpredictable conditions.

Wales & West Utilities, the gas emergency and pipeline service, brings energy to 7.5m people across the south west of England and Wales. If you smell gas, or suspect the presence of carbon monoxide, call us on 0800 111 999 straight away, and our engineers will be there to help any time of day or night. Before visiting, we'll ask you to let us know if you or anyone in your household, is experiencing Coronavirus symptoms or self-isolating. We'll still come and help you: but our teams will take some additional precautions to keep us all safe.