thebigword is proud to announce that our Global Head of People & Talent, Chris Whiting, has been shortlisted for the highly esteemed CIPD People Management Awards 2025, recognising outstanding achievements and innovation in the field of people management and development.
The CIPD People Management Awards, hosted by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), are the benchmark for excellence in the Human Resources and Learning & Development profession. Chris has been nominated as a finalist for the Michael Kelly Outstanding Student Award (Advanced Category). Being shortlisted is a significant honour, reflecting the dedication, creativity, and impact Chris has made, and recognises his outstanding leadership in embedding Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (ED&I) at the heart of our global operations.
Josh Gould, CEO at thebigword, said: “I am thrilled to see Chris receive this well-deserved recognition. His passion, strategic foresight, and ability to turn ED&I initiatives into measurable business values have set a new standard for inclusive leadership. Chris’s work has not only reinforced our reputation as a socially responsible employer, but has also deepened our commercial partnerships.”
Under Chris’s leadership, thebigword has delivered a transformative ED&I strategy that has reshaped both internal culture and external impact. Key achievements include:
- Achieving Disability Confident Leader – Level 3 status, the highest recognition under the UK Government’s scheme, reflecting a deep commitment to accessibility and inclusive employment.
- Implementing progressive workplace policies, including a Transitioning at Work Policy and an enhanced Menopause Policy, ensuring meaningful support for employees at every stage of life.
- Redesigning recruitment practices to eliminate bias and attract a more diverse talent pool, resulting in measurable improvements in hiring and retention.
- Forging strategic partnerships with organisations such as HMP Wealstun, Sparsh (India), and Zarach, delivering social value initiatives that support employability, education, and wellbeing for marginalised communities.
- Establishing the company’s first ED&I Committee, empowering employees to shape policy, celebrate diversity, and drive accountability across the business.
- Enhancing workplace wellbeing and accessibility through the introduction of a Focus Room, Wellbeing Room, and a dedicated meditation and prayer space, alongside flexible working and microbreak policies.
On his nomination, Chris said, “It’s a real honour to be recognised among such inspiring peers. Thank you to the CIPD for this opportunity and to everyone who has supported me on this journey so far.”
The winners will be announced at the CIPD People Management Awards ceremony on 25th September in London, and we look forward to celebrating the achievements of all the finalists who are making a difference in the world of work.
For more information about the awards, visit https://www.cipdpmas.co.uk.
