AWARDS 2027

We've made a few changes for 2027 based on feedback from entrants, finalists, winners and judges. Categories have been refined (and a few new ones added), the application form has been streamlined, and the entry window is longer – giving you more time to pull together strong submissions.

Now it's over to you! Whether you're a rising star or a seasoned professional, this is your chance to show us what you've achieved and to give your work the recognition it deserves.

Awards timetable


Open for entries:  Tuesday 1 September 2026

Deadline for submissions:  Friday 9 April 2027

Judging:  Thursday 22 April 2027

Finalists' lunch:  Friday 7 May 2027

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Then join us at the 2027 HR in Wales Awards for an afternoon of celebration, inspiration and connection as we recognise the dedication, creativity and impact of people professionals across Wales.

Date:  Friday 21 May 2027

Venue:  Marriott Hotel, Cardiff

Time:  Networking from 12.00, seated at 12.45

Tickets:  £99 + VAT (includes welcome drink, 3-course meal, tea/coffee, mints)

Dress code:  Dress up and celebrate, or keep it casual with a Friday feel. Either way, you'll be very welcome.

Thank you to our sponsors

Without your support, trust and willingness to back this important event in the Welsh HR calendar, the HR in Wales Awards simply couldn't happen! 

Thank you to our judges

Every year you say, "it gets harder" … and every year you're right!  The volume of entries and the quality make shortlisting tough, and agreeing a winner even tougher.  Thank you for the insight, expertise, credibility, passion, time and commitment that you bring to the Awards.  

We couldn't do it without you.

Rules of entry!

There is no cost to enter the awards!

Once the shortlist has been announced, finalists will have a priority window to buy tickets to the awards event before any remaining tickets go on general sale.

Submitting entries:

  • Entries must be submitted via our online platform by the deadline of 23:59 on Friday 9 April 2027. Once you've registered, you can start your application, save and return to it at a later date, and you can even access and edit a submitted entry right up to the closing date!
  • If you may enter the same project into more than one category, you're very welcome to do so, but each entry must be tailored to the specific category.
  • If you're entering an initiative that was delivered with/for a client, please ensure that you have their consent to the ways in which we may use entry details in promoting the event.
  • You may mark sensitive parts of their entries "not for publication" (eg exact budget figures) provided that such restrictions are not used unreasonably.

Eligibility:

The awards are open to:

  • Organisations with offices in Wales
  • Teams based in Wales
  • Individuals who live or work in Wales
  • Consultants who work with clients in Wales

Shortlist:

  • The shortlist will be announced via social media on Wednesday 14 April 2027.

Publicity:

  • By entering the awards, you agree that if you are shortlisted or win, HR in Wales may use your name, organisation name, logo and a brief summary of your entry in event materials, marketing and publicity.

Judging:

  • Finalists will be invited to a virtual interview on Thursday 22 April 2027. Given the number of interviews and judging panels involved, the date is fixed. We may be able to accommodate specific timing requests.
  • The judges' decision is final! Due to the volume of entries we cannot provide feedback on individual entries.
  • Finalists, judges and sponsors are invited to an informal lunch on Friday 7 May 2027 – this is not part of the judging process, simply an opportunity to celebrate reaching the final stage without the nerves of the actual awards day!

GOOD LUCK!