HR Director of the Year

It’s not long now until the Personnel Today Awards 2023, taking place on 21 November. Here are the shortlisted candidates for HR director of the year award, sponsored by LHH.

Ellie Jobes, Bagnalls

Bagnalls is a family painting and decorating business, established in 1875. Ellie joined the company in 2011 as a management development coordinator, and has since embedded a commitment to people development, greater engagement with local communities and better diversity and inclusion. In a 2022 survey, 89% of employees agreed that Bagnalls is a good company to work for. The business employs around 620 staff across 14 locations.

One of her achievements is how she has developed the Bagnalls HR team. This now comprises six professionals, one of which is undertaking a Level 5 HR consultant partner apprenticeship, and another who has achieved a level 7 diploma in human resource management. Ellie led a complete revamp of the company’s management trainee programme to include better recruitment and a more structured practical assessment. She also proposed that all new management trainees complete an apprenticeship to support their development.

Her approach has led to recognition for the company’s early career programmes; it was named a national top apprenticeship employer in 2022; won a regional apprenticeship employer of…