Resource CIPD award

CIPD People Management Award for Best Resourcing Initiative

We’re delighted to have been recognised with a national honour at the CIPD People Management Awards 2025, winning the Best Resourcing Initiative category for our pioneering project “Addressing employment challenges in the industry by removing barriers.”

The award celebrates our innovative and inclusive approach to tackling critical workforce shortages in the waste management sector, particularly among HGV drivers and mechanics - a challenge that has been intensified by Brexit, COVID-19 and an ageing workforce.
 

A strategic, people-centred response

Under the leadership of our Head of Human Resources, Daniel Moczynski, we developed a multi-faceted resourcing strategy that redefined how we recruit, train and retain our people. Key actions included:

• Apprenticeship programmes: Partnering with GTG Training and Skills Development Scotland to build a robust pipeline of skilled HGV drivers and mechanics.
• Supporting newly licensed drivers: Becoming the first business in Scotland to offer structured mentoring and pathways bridging the experience gap for newly qualified drivers.
• Inclusive recruitment: Working with Jobcentre Plus and community organisations to reach underrepresented groups, including parents returning to work and veterans.
• International recruitment: Sponsoring visas and providing relocation support for mechanics from South Africa.
• Employee value proposition (EVP): Enhancing pay, wellbeing support, and engagement initiatives to strengthen retention.
   

Delivering lasting impact

The initiative has delivered outstanding results for both NWH and the communities we serve:

• 25% reduction in employee turnover within 12 months.
• 90% vacancy fill rate for key HGV roles in just 9 months.
• 100% retention of internationally recruited mechanics after 12 months.
• 85% apprenticeship completion rate, with every graduate progressing into a full-time role.
• 30% of employees upskilled, leading to 15% internal promotions.
• 90% of new hires sourced locally, supporting regional employment growth.

A model for sustainable growth

By removing barriers to employment and creating meaningful career pathways, we not only addressed a major business risk but also reinforced our commitment to social responsibility and community impact. This people-first approach has been instrumental in underpinning NWH’s business growth beyond a £56 million turnover.

Speaking about the win, Daniel Moczynski said: “This award is a testament to our belief that investing in people is the most sustainable way to grow a business. By breaking down barriers and creating opportunities, we’ve built a stronger, more inclusive workforce that will support our growth and the communities we serve for years to come.”

Eleanor Whitehouse, Editor at People Management Magazine, added: “As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of the CIPD People Management Awards, it’s the perfect time to look back on all that has been accomplished during the past year. The people profession has faced its share of challenges in the last 12 months, but it’s also been a time of incredible impact and innovation across organisations.”