About the awards
The North East HR&D Awards raise the profile of the HR&D profession across the region and celebrate the value that HR&D can deliver in improving work and working lives.
The awards showcase practitioners in the region in HR, L&D and other emerging specialisms, whilst also championing the diversity of organisations in the region delivering excellent HR&D.
The 2026 event will take place on Thursday 11th June 2026 at The Fed, Gateshead.
The Categories
HR&D Team of the Year
Excellence in Apprenticeships
Excellence in Talent Attraction & Employer Brand
Excellence in Reward & Benefits
Excellence in SME People Practice
Excellence in Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
Excellence through Positive Impact
Excellence in Organisational & People Development
Excellence in Leadership Development
Excellence in Health & Wellbeing
Excellence in People & Technology
Excellence in Supporting Armed Forces Talent
Meet the judges
The judging panel, whose members also make up the North East Work & Talent Advisory Board (NEWT), is a group of professionals working within a range of sectors with a shared interest in ensuring the North East builds and maintains its profile as a great place to live and work and has the talent pipeline it needs to thrive.
Judges will be announced soon.
Date: Thursday 11 June 2026
Venue: The Fed, Gateshead
Times: 6.15pm Drinks Reception, 7.00pm Formalities Start, 11.00pm Formalities Close, Late Bar until 1.00am!
Dress code: Black Tie
Hosts