A BARRY business has won a competition for its approach to diversity and inclusion.

Now in its fourth year, the CIPD Wales Awards - which are backed by the UK-wide professional body for HR and people development - returned with a hybrid virtual and in person event after being cancelled last year due to Covid.

Headquartered at the Goodsheds, Sparkles Cleaning Services Wales and West, took home the award for Best Diversity and Inclusion Initiative, beating Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water, ONS, and South Wales Police.

Managing Director at Sparkles Cleaning Wales and West, Ceri Jennings, said: “We haven’t stopped smiling since being named as the winners.

"We were up against three other brilliant organisations, so we feel incredibly proud that we’ve been chosen.

“Promoting diversity and inclusion and offering opportunities for all is something we’ve focused on since starting the business, so it’s a proud moment for us to be recognised for supporting people in the workplace.”

Sparkles Cleaning Services Wales and West has been established for more than 15 years and along with offering professional cleaning works to provide secure employment to individuals in difficult circumstances.

The business offers work trials, which are a short period in work offered to a jobseeker on benefits to see if the job is a good fit before offering them a contract.

Sparkles is also Disability Confident employer, meaning it is part of a government scheme designed to encourage employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with health conditions.

OTHER NEWS:

The winners were at the CIPD Wales Awards were chosen by a judging panel of top HR and business professionals including:

  • Director of HR & Corporate Services for Welsh Government, Peter Kennedy
  • UK HR Director at Airbus Operations LTD, Nicola Montgomery
  • Executive Director of Workforce and OD at the Welsh Ambulance Services NHS Trust, Claire Vaughan

Head of CIPD Wales, Lesley Richards, said: “There has never been a more crucial time to spotlight those individuals and teams that worked tirelessly throughout the global pandemic to ensure HR and people development continued to provide its service.

“The individuals, businesses and organisations have shown how they can adapt and capitalise in difficult, unforeseen times and deserve a huge congratulations.”