IPM Excellence Awards 2025

Celebrating Outstanding Contributions in People Leadership and HR Excellence

The IPM Excellence Awards, hosted by the Institute of People Management (IPM), are a hallmark of recognition for outstanding contributions in Human Resources and people leadership in South Africa. These awards celebrate individuals, teams, and organizations

that demonstrate exceptional innovation, dedication, and impact in creating better workplaces.

Held annually at the IPM Convention, the 2025 Awards promise to highlight the

best in HR excellence, fostering inspiration and setting benchmarks for the industry.

Join us to celebrate those who are shaping the future of work in South

Africa

INDIVIDUAL AWARDS

Emerging HR Star Award

Assessing individuals for the Emerging HR Star Award involves evaluating their accomplishments and potential as emerging HR professionals. This category recognises newcomers at associate level to the HR field who have demonstrated exceptional potential, innovative idea and a commitment to their organisation’s HR goals.

HR Business Partner Manager of the Year Award

Assessing HR Business Partner Managers for the HR Manager of the Year Award involves evaluating their leadership, accomplishments, and impact on their organisation’s human resources function. This category is designed for mid-level HR professionals, this award acknowledges managers who have made significant contributions to their organisations’ HR strategies and initiatives.

HR Leader of the Year Award

Assessing individuals for the HR Leader of the Year Award involves evaluating their leadership potential, contributions, and aspirations in the field of human resources. This award recognises Business Leaders for their contribution to HR. For HR to be successful in any organisation, senior management buy-in is critical. HR champions are those who have gone the extra mile and who drive successful HR strategies from the top. Entries for this award should detail examples of a Business Leader who acts as an ambassador in promoting strategic people management in the executive community.

HR Future Leader

The HR Future Leader of the Year Award recognises emerging HR professionals who demonstrate exceptional leadership potential, strategic insight, and a passion for driving positive change in the human resources field. This category honours individuals who are already making an impact and show strong promise of becoming influential HR leaders of the future (The CHROs), those with the vision, agility, and commitment to shape the people agenda and contribute meaningfully to their organisations and the broader HR community.

Business Leader of the Year Award (CEO)

This award recognises Business Leaders for their contribution to HR. For HR to be successful in any organisation, senior management buy-in is critical. HR champions are those who have gone the extra mile and who drive successful HR strategies from the top. Entries for this award should detail examples of a Business Leader who acts as an ambassador in promoting strategic people management in the executive community

Lifetime Achievement Award in HR (IPM Award)

This category recognises HR veterans who have made significant contributions over the course of their careers to the HR profession, their organisation, and the industry as a whole. The Lifetime Achievement Award in HR is a prestigious recognition that celebrates the long and impactful career of an individual who has made significant contributions to the field of Human Resources over many years. This award is reserved for HR professionals who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and dedication to the HR profession throughout their career

TEAM AWARDS

Talent Acquisition Award

Assessing organisations for a Talent Acquisition Award, including the assessment criteria and associated questions: Organisations that have effective strategies for retaining top talent are honored in this category. This category assesses staff retention initiatives, onboarding procedures, employer branding, and recruitment methods. This award celebrates an organisation or initiative that has demonstrated outstanding success in implementing impactful sourcing strategies, creating sustainable employment opportunities for marginalised or underserved communities, and making a significant difference through inclusive hiring practices.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence Award

Assessing organizations for a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence Award requires a comprehensive evaluation of their commitment and efforts in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within their workplace. This category acknowledges organisations that have excelled in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within their workforce. This award recognises initiatives that foster an inclusive workplace, embrace diverse perspectives, and ensure equal opportunities for all employees.

HR Innovation of the Year Award

Assessing organizations for an HR Innovation of the Year Award involves evaluating their innovative practices and initiatives within the field of human resources. This category honors organisations that have consistently displayed great creativity and innovation in their HR procedures. This category honors ground-breaking projects, employee satisfaction.

Excellence in Learning and Development

This category honors organisations that have excellent learning and development programs. Evaluating this category involves recognising HR professionals or teams who have designed and delivered impactful learning and development initiatives that drive individual growth and organisational performance. This award honours those who demonstrate innovation, strategic alignment, and measurable outcomes in building workforce capability through effective learning solutions.

Benefits of Participating

Participating in the IPM Excellence Awards 2025 offers unparalleled opportunities to:

Gain Recognition: Showcase your HR achievements on a national stage.
Inspire Others: Set benchmarks for HR excellence and share best practices.
Network: Connect with industry leaders at the Awards Ceremony during the IPM Annual Convention
Elevate Your Brand: Enhance your organizations reputation through finalist and winner publications