Celebrating Excellence: The North East HR&D Awards Set to Inspire in 2026

The North East HR&D Awards are gearing up for an exciting celebration this June, showcasing the remarkable contributions of organizations and professionals within the region's HR and learning development sectors. This prestigious event, now in its 18th year, will be held at The Fed in Gateshead on Thursday, June 11, and promises to be a memorable occasion for all attendees.

A Night to Remember

With a diverse array of award categories, the ceremony aims to shine a spotlight on the stars of the HR community who are making significant strides in enhancing workplace culture and employee development. Last year's space-themed event left a lasting impression, and the anticipation for this year's gathering is palpable among attendees and organizers alike.

Commitment to Excellence

Pete Mallon, the creative and managing director of the event's coordinating body, NET, expressed enthusiasm about the upcoming awards. "As an independent media organization committed to highlighting inspiring stories, this ceremony is a highlight in our calendar," Mallon stated. The dedication to recognizing exceptional talent within the region underscores the importance of celebrating the positive impacts being made in the workforce.

An Encouragement for Participation

With 12 categories to acknowledge various facets of the HR profession, the awards invite organizations to share their best practices and celebrate their people. Joint chairs of the North East Work & Talent advisory board, Elouise Leonard-Cross and Sarah Carnegie, affirmed their excitement about renewing their partnership with NET for this year's awards. They shared that last year's events were filled with incredible stories of skill and success, and they encourage even more participation this year.

Support from Local Partners

The 2026 North East HR&D Awards have garnered support from several partners, including NPH Group, Northumbrian Water, and TDR Training, among others. This collaboration highlights the community's collective effort to uplift and recognize the achievements within the HR field.

As the event date approaches, individuals and organizations are encouraged to secure their spots for what promises to be an inspiring evening of recognition and celebration of human excellence in the workplace.