Malta's most critical resource is its people, a resource that needs to be nurtured and developed to enable Malta to succeed. This philosophy is central to the role of the Foundation for Human Resources Development (FHRD) - promoting and influencing the adaptation of good human resource management and development at every level of society.

FHRD has a sterling belief in the link that should exist between the business strategy and the HR strategy. This link would create a synergy that results into a smoother and more effective business performance. To promote this link and to highlight excellence in HRM and HRD and the commitment of many HR practitioners to the development of the HR profession in Malta, FHRD introduced the HR Awards.

In 2001, FHRD presented the HR Practitioners Award that was won by Noel Scerri, head of the HRD Unit at Bank of Valletta. This year, FHRD will present four Awards in recognition of the development occurring within the HR field: Best HR Strategy to Business Success, Best Training Initiative, Best HR Contribution to Micro Enterprise, and the HR Practitioner of the Year Award.

Best HR Strategy to Business Success is aimed at HR teams who can demonstrate they have achieved genuine business partner status within their organisations. Entries should explain the business strategy and the contribution of HR to meet business objectives.

The judging committee will look at the HR team's own strategy, how this was designed and implemented, the involvement and participation of senior staff and what results have so far been achieved. The judging committee, while it ensures confidentiality of submitted information, reserves the right to carry out visits and interviews as deemed necessary.

The Best Training Initiative award seeks to acknowledge training and developmental initiatives that have substantially benefited the business or organisation, particularly if new training approaches have been developed.

The judging committee will require evidence (which might include visits and interviews) of improvement in employee skills, capabilities, and attitudes. Participants should show how the initiative has boosted motivation and helped focus employees on organisational goals and objectives.

Best HR Contribution to Micro Enterprise looks for HR practices in micro enterprises that have considerably facilitated and encouraged the management and development of people.

The judging committee will want to see evidence of the practices (formal and informal) in question, particularly any substantiation of the results of such practices.

Entries should highlight what initiatives are in place that facilitate the development of people in line with the achievement of business goals, to what extent is commitment of the employees rewarded, what efforts the organisation adopts to improve performance, how employee involvement and participation is encouraged in the organisation, how the organisation takes care of the welfare (including health and safety) of the employees, whether absenteeism and/or turnover is an issue in the organisation.

HR Practitioner of the Year Award seeks to acknowledge the sterling work conducted by the Maltese and Gozitan HR practitioner. By the end on the closing date, the nominee must be a Maltese resident for not less than five years, and have at least five years' experience in any area of the HR profession, generic or specific.

The nominee should have contributed in a clear manner to the organisation's success through active involvement in the setting and realisation of the organisation's objectives, and is recognised as a "leader" or "change agent" within the organisation but has also shown strength of working well in a team.

S/he should have introduced a new initiative within the organisation that has led to significant involvement of people in the workplace and their increase performance, contributed to the development of the HR profession or related area on the local scene, and has sought to contribute developing him/herself in the HR profession.

The HR Awards will be held on Friday, November 22 at the Casino Maltese, Valletta, at 7.30 p.m. and will be presided over by President Guido de Marco.

For more information and nomination forms contact Mark Camilleri at FHRD on tel: 2569-3224 or e-mail: fhrd.m.camilleri@ipse.org.mt. The closing date for nominations is September 12.