Judging process
Find out more about the judging process and who's on the panel. #CIPDHRAwards
Find out more about the judging process and who's on the panel. #CIPDHRAwards
We operate a robust multi-tiered judging process that sets the annual CIPD HR Awards apart. The recipients of our awards are noted among their peers as having achieved the top tier of excellence within their category field.​
The marking and judging process has been carefully designed to ensure that outcomes are fair, transparent and credible, and winners have reached a high standard. ​
Initial submissions are judged by a panel of experts who assess the quality of the information provided against the category descriptors and the questions asked.
The shortlisted entries are announced as finalists. A category may be divided in two, when both the volume and standard of entries are high.
Finalists may attend an online briefing session. Guidance on planning and preparing to meet the judges is also provided. ​
The second stage of the judging puts the finalists through a rigorous judging process where they meet a panel of expert judges for a virtual interview. Judges want to hear the story and impact of the initiative, presentations and videos are optional.​
The finalist interviews will take place online on 21 and 22 January 2025.
Austin O'Sullivan is a Chartered FCIPD senior HR leader with over 30 years’ experience across HR, finance and project management in the public, private and non-profit sectors. He has a strong track record of influencing Boards and senior leaders and is a multiple CIPD and Irish HR award winner for culture, wellbeing and people alignment
Barry Holmes is Director of Human Resources at RCSI and a member of its Executive team. Formerly HR Director at RSA Insurance Ireland and Intel Ireland, he brings deep experience in organisational transformation, governance and senior leadership. Barry is a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD and a member of the Institute of Directors.
Brian Harney is Head of Work Psychology and Strategy at Dublin City University Business School. An award-winning educator, he is the author of several leading HR texts and earned his PhD from the University of Cambridge.
Cat Kiely is Regional Director, HR for HR at Salesforce, with over 20 years’ HR leadership experience across pharma, technology and services. She has held senior roles at organisations including Novartis, Oracle and Nielsen and is known for delivering impactful people strategies in complex, global environments.
Daragh O’Mahony leads Human Resources, Sustainability and Facilities at NBI, supporting delivery of the National Broadband Plan. With 25 years’ senior HR experience across multiple industries and regions, he brings strong expertise in transformation, M&A and board-level people strategy.
Dimpal Bhanu leads the Global Client Experience team at the CIPD, shaping how organisations engage with and benefit from the institute’s services worldwide. She drives strategic initiatives, partnerships and service improvements to strengthen organisational capability and support the global people profession.
Donal Molloy, FCIPD, is a senior HR leader with extensive experience across banking, pharma, insurance, technology and cybersecurity. He is passionate about positioning HR as a strategic partner and creating workplaces where people and performance thrive.
Geraldine King is Chief Executive of the Employment & Recruitment Federation and a board member of the World Employment Confederation. A recognised industry voice, she regularly contributes to media and conferences and is listed among the top EU and global leaders in the staffing industry.
Hayfa Mohdzaini has a background in computer science and HR and has worked across IT, HR and research roles. She writes extensively on people and technology, contributes to HR publications, judges awards and speaks regularly at conferences.
Ian Sumner is Learning Experience and Programme Manager at the CIPD, leading teams that design and deliver digital and blended learning. With over 15 years’ experience, he has previously held senior learning roles at Heathrow and City & Guilds.
Joe McGrath is an HR Director and Fellow of the CIPD with over 30 years’ experience across diverse industries. He brings strong expertise in employment law, workforce management and practical people solutions that support business success.
Joyce is currently the Chair of the Board of CIPD Ireland, and was previously the Chair of the National Committee of CIPD Ireland. She is a former joint Managing Director of Voltedge Management Ltd, HR and Management Consultants, and is a Companion of CIPD.
Karen Hackett is Head of People at Permanent TSB, with a long-standing career in HR within financial services. A Fellow of the CIPD, she is passionate about culture, inclusion, workforce engagement and strategic transformation.
Kathryn is a senior organisational leader in the Civil and Public Service, with a proven track record in organisational transformation and cultural change. Prior to the OPW, Kathryn was Chief People Officer in Enterprise Ireland for 3 years. A Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, Kathryn holds an MBS in HR Strategies from DCU. She is a qualified Leadership Coach, as well as a certified Mediator, serving on the Civil and Public Service panel of Mediators.
Loretta Dignam is Founder and CEO of The Menopause Hub and an award-winning advocate for women’s health. A former senior marketing executive, she campaigns for systemic change in menopause care and works to transform workplace understanding and support.
Lutfur Ali is Senior Policy and Practice Advisor at the CIPD and a Non-Executive Director at the Business Continuity Institute. With over 35 years’ experience, he is a leading voice on equality, inclusion, ethical leadership and workplace transformation.
Mary Connaughton leads the development and impact of the people profession in Ireland through research, policy and member engagement. She brings extensive experience from roles across HR development, consulting and organisational development and represents Ireland at European level.
Mila Haviv Lancova is Global Talent Acquisition Lead at the CIPD with over 12 years’ experience across in-house, agency and consultancy roles. She specialises in talent attraction, assessment, EDI and workforce planning across multiple regions and sectors.
Mojisola Obazuaye is Head of Human Resources at SRI Executive. A dynamic and results-driven HR leader, she partners closely with executive leaders to deliver organisational, leadership, people and culture goals while maximising employee potential and retention.
Dr. Monsurat Omotayo is Director of Administration and HR at the Nigerian Railway Corporation, leading major change initiatives. A Chartered Fellow of the CIPD, she holds a Doctorate from the University of Manchester and brings extensive international experience across HR, leadership and strategic people management.
Oli Howard is Head of Membership & Product Portfolio at the CIPD, overseeing membership, products and regional teams. With a background in employee and change communications, he also teaches employee communication at master’s level.
Paul Reidy is an experienced HR professional specialising in strategic HR leadership, industrial relations and workplace mediation. He brings over 30 years’ experience across sectors including healthcare, manufacturing and financial services.
Rachel Doherty leads CIPD-accredited HR and L&D programmes at the National College of Ireland. She has extensive experience in industry and consulting and is a Chartered Member of the CIPD with doctoral-level academic credentials.
Richard Hanlon is a board advisor and business leader with over 25 years’ experience across professional services, telecoms and fintech. A Chartered Director and Fellow of the CIPD, he specialises in governance, strategy, risk and cyber resilience.
Sinead Heneghan is CEO of the Learning & Development Institute, leading its strategic development and member engagement. She brings extensive experience across education, industry advocacy and skills development and serves on several national and international boards.
Steve George manages the CIPD’s Learning Content team, with a background in digital learning and cognitive psychology. Formerly an L&D consultant, he is passionate about using learning technology to improve practice and opportunity worldwide.
