thebigword is pleased to announce that our Senior People Advisor, Monaei De’Viana-Horne, has been shortlisted for the Apprentice of the Year category at the Yorkshire Excellence in HR Awards 2026.
This nomination is a testament to Monaei’s hard work and dedication, recognising her outstanding commitment, performance, and growth within thebigword since joining us in 2024. While completing her CIPD Level 5 apprenticeship, Monaei has made a significant impact across the business, championing people-focused initiatives, supporting leadership development and enhancing the employee experience.
Nominee Monaei Deviana-Horne, said: “It’s an honour to be nominated for the Yorkshire Excellence in HR Awards Apprentice of the Year! It would be an amazing achievement to win but I already see it as an achievement being a finalist. It shows that hard work and dedication really does pay off and this has boosted my confidence in my abilities and performance going forward!”
The Yorkshire Excellence in HR Awards celebrate individuals and organisations that are raising standards across the profession, creating workplaces that foster growth, inclusion and success.This event brings together the region’s brightest minds and most innovative HR professionals to showcase their outstanding contributions to the field.
This is the second year in a row that members of thebigword’s People and Talent team have been recognised for their contributions to the profession by the Yorkshire Excellence in HR Awards, and we are incredibly proud.
Chris Whiting, Chief People Officer at thebigword, said: “We are incredibly proud that Monaei has been shortlisted for Apprentice of the Year at the Yorkshire Excellence in HR Awards 2026. Since joining thebigword, she has demonstrated exceptional dedication, professionalism and a genuine passion for learning, making a significant impact within our People and Talent Team while embracing every opportunity to develop her skills and knowledge.
This recognition is thoroughly deserved and reflects Monaei’s hard work, commitment and potential. She is a fantastic ambassador for apprenticeships at thebigword, and we are delighted to see her achievements recognised at a regional level.”
We wish Monaei the very best of luck at the awards ceremony on 1 October 2026 at the Royal Armouries in Leeds and look forward to celebrating her achievement alongside Yorkshire’s leading HR professionals.
