CIPD Award reflects Claire’s transformational strategy

Learner Story: Claire | CIPD Certificate in HR Practice

Claire's CIPD Award-Winning Strategy revolutionised her company's HR approach, leading to a 60% reduction in staff turnover and earning her the Michael Kelly Outstanding Student prize.

Claire Gibbons, HR Manager at label manufacturer Label Apeel in Leicester, is not just an ordinary HR professional. She won the Michael Kelly Outstanding Student prize, sponsored by MOL at the CIPD People Management Awards. This award was a testament to her transformative strategy that re-evaluated her firm's future HR needs.

It was a huge honour and I am extremely proud to be recognised for my achievements from such a prestigious organisation.

Claire's journey began with her Certificate in HR Practice course, which she used to design highly successful employee engagement, absence management, and recruitment policies. These strategies drove down staff turnover by 60%, with similar decreases in sickness and stress figures.

"Claire had strong quantitative and qualitative evidence of applying all of the CHP. There is no doubt what she learned has made a difference to the business," commented the CIPD People Management Awards judges.

More impressively, her efforts led to a 94% increase in employee engagement, with staff stating they are highly committed to the business.

I had a fantastic tutor and a brilliant group. We were from a wide variety of backgrounds and industries which meant we could discuss issues we were all facing and bounce ideas off each other.

Claire's achievement was even more significant considering she was up against organisations with HR departments three times the size of her entire business.

"Professionally, the award is about putting yourself out there as a person who is able to perform at the highest level. That makes me feel very proud."

Claire concluded that the award was not just a personal achievement but a validation of her professional capabilities. It has set her on a path to further excel in her career and make impactful changes in her organisation.

For those interested in a transformative HR career, discover more about our CIPD HR courses.