ASCERT has achieved a remarkable victory at the CIPD Northern Ireland Awards 2025. Against fierce competition, we emerged victorious, securing the prestigious Best Flexible Working Initiative award.
A Win for Workplace Innovation
The CIPD Awards celebrate the very best in HR practices, recognising employers and professionals who shape better working environments and improve business performance. The event, held at Titanic Belfast on Thursday 6th March 2025, and attended by over 350 professionals, was hosted by Northern Ireland’s brightest new comedy star, Emer Maguire. Despite competing against well-funded corporate giants, our dedication to employee wellbeing and flexible working earned us this incredible accolade.
Our award-winning flexible working strategy includes:
- Homeworking allowances to support staff working remotely.
- ‘No-meetings Fridays’ to promote focus and mental wellbeing.
- Tailored support for working parents, ensuring they can balance professional and personal commitments.
Ella Wyse, HR Manager at ASCERT, expressed her delight:
“Winning this award is an incredible achievement for ASCERT. As a small charity, we work tirelessly to support our employees while delivering crucial services to the community. Competing against some of Northern Ireland’s largest and most well-resourced organisations and coming out on top is proof that innovation and commitment to people matter more than size or budget. This award validates our belief that workplace flexibility isn’t just for big businesses, it’s something that can and should be prioritised across all organisations. Thank you to all my colleagues at ASCERT for contributing to this award. It wouldn’t have been possible without each and every one of you.”
Recognising Excellence Across Northern Ireland
While we proudly took home the Best Flexible Working Initiative, the night also celebrated outstanding achievements across the HR industry, with 14 organisations being recognised for their contributions:
- Thales – Best HR Team & Best Apprenticeship Scheme
- Simon Community NI – Best Health and Wellbeing Initiative
- HSC Leadership Centre – Best Digital and Technology Initiative in HR/L&D
- Northern Ireland Water – Best Employee Experience Programme
- Northern Ireland Screen – Best Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) Initiative
- Education Authority NI – Best Resourcing and Talent Strategy
- Antrim and Newtownabbey Borough Council – Best Learning and Development Initiative
- Continu – Best People Management in an SME
- LMK Consultancy – Best HR/L&D and OD Consultancy
- Jaye Nangle (The LYCRA Company) – Best HR Student
- Caiti O’Neill (Finnebrogue) – Rising Star of the People Profession
Click here to learn more about the 2025 CIPD Award Winners
A Bright Future for ASCERT
This win underscores our unwavering commitment to fostering an innovative and supportive work environment, proving that even small charities can lead the way in workplace transformation. With this recognition, we continue to set a benchmark for flexible working in the non-profit sector and beyond.
To read more about the CIPD Awards 2025, visit:
Newsletter Article
Business Eye Report
CIPD Official Announcement