Third HR Awards

Excellence in human resource management (HRM) and human resource development (HRD) is to be put in the limelight on Friday, November 28, when the Foundation for Human Resource Development is holding the HR Awards 2003 under the patronage of the President of Malta, Professor Guido de Marco.

Through these awards, being held for the third consecutive year, the Foundation in line with its mission statement, is highlighting and promoting the commitment of many HR practitioners to the development of the HR profession in Malta.

The FHRD strongly believes that coherence between business strategy and HR strategy produces a synergy resulting in smoother, more effective business performance. Overall business goals and policies are sustained by values, culture and management style. This is where strategic HRM can be valued as the driving force that supports the appropriate culture to fit the business strategy.

This year FHRD will present four awards, which have attracted no fewer than 12 submissions in four categories. All submissions met the entry criteria and the FHRD congratulates all the entries for the high quality and commitment shown to the HR profession.

The four awards are: HR Practitioner of the Year; Best HR Practice in Micro Enterprise; Best HR Strategy to Business Success; and Best Training Initiative. A multi disciplinary judging committee was appointed by FHRD to screen and assess the nominations.

The HR Practitioner of the Year Award recognises and rewards the sterling work of Maltese and Gozitan HR practitioners. It highlights and promotes the HR profession as a whole and puts an emphasis on the fundamental role that people play in an organisation's success regardless of its size and nature. The two previous awards went to Noel Scerri and Domenic Lewis.

The Best HR Practice in Micro Enterprise Award, being held for the first time, looks for HR practices in micro enterprises that have considerably facilitated and encouraged the management and development of people.

The Best HR Strategy to Business Success is aimed at HR teams who can demonstrate that they have achieved genuine business partner status within their organisation, underlining that HR strategy is a vital ingredient, along with areas like marketing, finance and operations, contributing to business success. Entries have to demonstrate the strong link between the organisation's business goals and the HR function. Playmobil (Malta) Ltd received this award, held for the first time last year.

The Best Training Initiative Award, which last year went to Dowty Automotive Malta Ltd, seeks to acknowledge training and developmental initiatives that have substantially benefited the business or organisation, particularly if new training approaches have been developed.

Attendance at the HR Awards 2003 is strictly by invitation. For enquires phone the FHRD on 2569-3227.