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HRMAJ believes that human resource management plays a critical role in determining the strategic direction of organizations, and the innovative HR practices that these organizations utilize can contribute significantly to the achievement of the goals and objectives set. With the HR Innovations Award we put the spotlight on creative and innovative initiatives and unique approaches companies employ to provide solutions to problems or challenges faced, which could hinder their progress in their quest for goal achievement.

In 2005 HRMAJ implemented its Best Practice Flagship Competition – HR Innovations Award to recognize organisations which have implemented innovative programs, practices, or policies that benefits its employees and contribute to their organisations success. Among the benefits to be derived from participating in this award programme are prestige and recognition within the organization, the Human Resource Management profession, and across the Jamaican and Caribbean business community. Making the shortlist for the Award would be an achievement in itself, which will reflect positively on any organization. Winning the Award will confer prestige and recognition, both within the organization and across the business community. The profile of the organization will be elevated to the realm of “The HR Best Practice Flagship Organization” with whom all other businesses will want to benchmark their initiatives, projects, programs and practices. The 2006 Award was formally launched in August 2006, with an invitation for all organizations across Jamaica to participate by sharing with HRMAJ an innovative project or initiative they implemented with successful results during the last five years. Nomination/Entry Forms was sent to a wide cross-section of companies encouraging them to participate in the HRMAJ Best Practice flagship Competition. The winner will be presented at Best Practice Flagship Competition - HR Innovation Awards Banquet dubbed the “HR Best Practice Flagship Organization”. 

For the 2006 HR Innovation Award there were four short listed applicants. They are, The Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica Limited, HEART Trust/NTA, Guardian Life Insurance Company Limited and Grace Kennedy & Company Limited. The judges conducted a site visit to these four applicants between October 2006 and January 2007.  The organization’s representative got the opportunity to demonstrate the details of the HR problem experienced, the implementation of the initiative and the impact this initiative has had on the organization. The panel of judges are as follows:

• Mrs. Theresa Easy, Principal Lecturer in HRM and International Business, UTECH
• Dr. George Phillip, Director of HR, Appliance Traders Limited
• Mr. Carvell McLeary, HR Manager, H.D. Hopwood Ltd.
• Mrs. Francis-Marie Coke, Senior Lecturer, UWI, Mona.
• Mrs. Hillary Robertson-Hickling, Lecturer & Researcher, UWI, Mona.

The 2005 HR Innovations Award was won by Bank of Nova Scotia Jamaica which showcased their Employee Assistance Programme and their Employee Communications & Consultation Programme. Grace Kennedy & Co. walked away with the Silver Star Award and the National Housing Trust was awarded an Honorable Mention. HRMAJ is proud to host the 2nd Annual HR Innovation Awards Ceremony and Banquet on Thursday, March 22, 2007 at 7:30 pm at the Knutsford Court Hotel. The Guest Speaker will be Professor Errol Miller, Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Jamaica. The judging process has been completed and the winner of the 2006 Award will be announced and awarded at the banquet. We look forward to having you join us for this event as we share in the success of organizations that strive to benchmark best practices and promote human resource strategies as critical to organizational success.