Description
This award recognizes outstanding HR professionals who exemplify leadership, innovation, and dedication to the field. Aligned with CPHR Alberta's strategic priorities and core competencies, recipients inspire others through mentorship, collaboration, and/or impactful leadership.
They are a champion of innovation, embrace emerging trends, technologies, and creative approaches that advance organizational success. Their commitment to growth, resilience, and continuous learning makes them a passionate advocate and role model within the HR community.
All nominees who meet the criteria, as evaluated by our Awards Selection Committee, will be honoured as 2026 HR Excellence Recipients and receive an individual spotlight award at the 2027 Member Recognition Gala.
Requirements
Eligibility Criteria:
- Must be a CPHR Alberta Member
- Must have held a CPHR Alberta membership (of any type) for a minimum of two years prior to award nomination (i.e. October 2024).
- Nominations should reflect achievements and contributions made during the period January to December 2026.
- Nominees must be individual HR professionals who have demonstrated exceptional performance and contribution in their role.
- Team Leads nominated in the Spotlight Team Award category are not eligible to be nominated separately in the Individual Award category for the same awards period.
- Nominees may work in any HR function, specialization, or level of responsibility.
- The nomination should focus on achievements, behaviours, and impact that align with the award criteria.
- CPHR Alberta Board Members are not eligible, during their board term.
Nomination Requirements:
Nominators are asked to describe how the nominee demonstrates excellence in each award criterion. Responses should include specific examples, the nominee's actions, and the impact of their work.
If the same scenario or project demonstrates the nominee's exceptional leadership, innovative practices, and high-level contributions to the organization, please describe it in the first section only. Subsequent sections may refer back to that example and explain how it also supports the relevant criterion.
Nominations will only be considered if all sections of the Nomination Form are completed by the submission deadline.
Evidence Guidance for Nominators
Strong nominations provide clear, specific, and observable evidence. Nominators should explain what the nominee did, how they did it, who was affected, and what changed as a result.
- Provide one example for each criterion that shows how the nominee demonstrates excellence in that area.
- Avoid vague language like “always helps”. Specifics will help the Awards Committee better assess the nomination.
- Describe how the nominee's work demonstrates leadership, innovation, and contribution at a high level.
- Include outcomes such as improved processes, stronger relationships, enhanced employee experience, increased efficiency, or measurable organizational benefit.
Where possible, include supporting details such as feedback, data, testimonials, project results, or before-and-after examples.
Criteria
| Criterion | Weight |
|---|---|
| Communication & Collaboration | 15.0% |
| HR Impact & Business Alignment | 20.0% |
| HR Expertise & Technical Excellence | 15.0% |
| Leadership & Influence | 20.0% |
| Results & Outcome | 15.0% |
| Nomination Quality | 15.0% |