HR Winners! The inaugural CBI Human Capital Awards

Impact Executives/ Harvey Nash plc were one of the lead sponsors for the inaugural awards of the CBI Human Capital Awards at the London Hilton yesterday evening. The rationale behind the awards was to celebrate HR/People Management programmes and initiatives and in doing so recognise the fact that innovative people management is a vital factor in the development of UK companies.

There were eight awards and I have listed for your interest the winners under each category.

1.Innovative Ways of Working

Winner-Arriva 'The programme used the performing arts to dramatise the need for cultural change. The result: 94% of employees now understand the case for diversity'

2.Service

Winner-Nationwide Nationwide's development, integration, and communication of its 'PRIDE' values is a highly impressive story of a values-led maximising its point of differentiation

3.Education, Skills and Leadership

Winner-INA Schaeffler UK 'Faced with the migration of jobs to Eastern Europe, Schaeffler UK embarked on a culture change programme to become the production location of choice. Massive productivity has followed, alongside a huge appetite for learning'

4.Managing Change

Winner-BMW Group-Oxford Plant MINI's transfer to Oxford, involving a nine week break in production, was a traumatic experience for its people. However, the New Oxford Way programme has delivered remarkable business and productivity results: culminating in BMW's further £100m investment in the plant and a clear vision for the future.

5.Growing Business

Winner-GenSet Faced with increasingly competitive market, losses and poor morale, this supplier to the UK hire industry had to act. Several years of people focus followed, involving Investors in People. The results have been striking and in the past year GenSet hit £5m profits on a £40m turnover.

6.Global Achievement

Winner-RBS Global HR head Greg Aitken has led the creation of the ground-breaking global human capital strategy and toolkit: an online suite of people resources that is embedded across all business areas. One result: reduction in employee turnover equivalent to £55m-worth of savings!

7.The People's Organisation

Winner-KPMG

KPMG's goal to be 'the best employer of the Big Four,' is addressed by offering clear paths for individual growth; compelling visions of the future; a 'total pay' policy and a 'positive workforce.' So often, such statements are cliches. At KPMG, they speak of real intent.

8.The People's Champion

Winner-Philip Williamson of Nationwide 'Who exemplifies the very best in people management'

A hearty congratulations to all the winners and indeed all those who were short listed and contrary to popular opinion I don't go to Awards Ceremonies every week, but hope you find these occasional listings interesting?

Thank you to the CBI for the inspiration behind this posting.