Specialists in the field of human resources (HR), training and recruitment from across Tayside and Fife are being encouraged to submit their entries into the prestigious cHeRries 2018 Awards.
Nominations for the awards, run by DC Thomson Media, are open now and the glittering event takes place in June 1 next year.
The annual event features 12 categories and attracts an audience of more than 500.
This year’s ceremony, in association with Robert Gordon University (RGU) and supported by Mattioli Woods, will be held on June 1 2018 at Aberdeen Exhibition and Conference Centre (AECC).
Last year, the biggest prize of the night – the Top Cherry for outstanding contribution – went to Sean Saluja, a partner and head of the employment division at law firm Burness Paull.
Meanwhile, Christine Calder, the professional learning course leader at Dundee and Angus College, won the 2017 Tremendous Training and Development category.
Since then, her award has taken pride of place in the D&A College office, serving as a brilliant talking point with visitors.
It’s also a constant reminder of the value of well-researched and innovative work.
“What an award ceremony to attend!” said Christine.
“The whole night and in fact the whole experience was just wonderful and it inspired me to keep working on other innovative initiatives.
“I was made to feel very special as were all of my colleagues who attended.
“In 2013 when Dundee College and Angus College merged, many people contributed to create a new Learning and Teaching observations model to help reflection on the learning process.
“We carefully planned and piloted the observations over 18 months and had been fully delivering them for another 18 months by the time we were nominated for a cHeRrie.
“I felt so privileged to represent everyone who had contributed to our ‘Observations Pyramid’ and it was very humbling to be shortlisted alongside some of the very best talent in HR.
“Since winning a cHeRrie award, D&A College has received a lot of interest about our submission, some of which has come from international companies,” said Christine.
“Although flattering, it has only shown me how many people recognise the value of the cHeRies Awards in Scotland and further afield.
“Therefore, if you are currently implementing or have recently implemented a new and exciting training and development initiative I would wholeheartedly encourage you to enter.”
The awards were launched in 2008 and have grown year on year.
They are backed by a high profile group of companies committed to recognising the importance of people to the success of businesses.
This year, three new categories have been added: Superb Services to the Industry; Terrific Team of the Year; and Exceptional Employee Engagement.
Other categories include: Excellent HR Manager; Exemplary Employee of Choice; Extraordinary HR Initiative; Outstanding HR Director; and The Blossoming Award.
Adrian Hunter, interim chief executive at AECC, venue sponsor, said: “AECC have hosted the cHeRries for eight years so have been able to watch the event grow and evolve into the success it is today. The event will yet again showcase the very best talent in the HR industry in the north-east of Scotland and we look forward to working with DC Thomson Media again.”
The deadline for entries is February 18. Entry forms and category criteria are on the website. Tickets are on sale now and can be bought online. See www.dctevents.com/event/cherries-awards/
