Ellie Higgs – Mostrim Groundworks Ltd

The Investors in People Awards 2024 - Finalist Case Study

Ellie Higgs – Mostrim Groundworks Ltd

Nominated for The Award for HR Person of the Year

Why did you enter the Investors in People 2024 Awards?

After helping the company achieve our IIP We invest in people Silver Accreditation in the Employer of the Year category last year, I was overwhelmed by the positive impact this recognition had on our team and the business as a whole. It wasn’t just a prestigious title—it symbolised our commitment to fostering an environment where both the company and its employees can grow. Witnessing the pride and motivation it instilled in everyone made me reflect on my role in the achievement, and it strengthened my passion for HR even further.

When the suggestion came from my colleagues and leaders to apply for the HR Person of the Year, I took it as a humbling sign that my work was not only appreciated but also impactful. Entering The Investors in People Awards 2024 felt like a natural next step, as it aligns with my belief that HR plays a critical role in shaping successful, resilient businesses. My journey into HR began two years ago when I transitioned into this role, and ever since, I’ve been driven by a desire to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully.

The chance to enter this prestigious award was not just about personal recognition—it was an opportunity to reflect on how much HR can influence a company’s culture, employee satisfaction, and overall success. I wanted to showcase the passion and dedication I bring to my role and to demonstrate how the principles of respect, growth, and dedication—values that our company holds dear—are central to my approach. Entering the awards allows me to celebrate how far I’ve come and motivates me to continue pushing boundaries in how HR can support and elevate both individuals and organisations.

Being shortlisted is an honour I don’t take lightly. It opens doors for connections, ideas and opportunities to support my growth. Most importantly it reaffirms my belief that HR is driving positive change and that investing in people is the key to success. My entry shows that commitment, self-belief and passion can support thriving workplaces.

What has it meant to you, your team, and your organisation to be shortlisted for an Investors in People 2024 Award?

It is a meaningful milestone in my career, filling me with pride and accomplishment. As someone who transitioned into HR just a few years ago, this recognition validates my journey and the dedication I’ve invested in my role. It reminds me that my passion for HR and my love for understanding people—how they work, think, and thrive—was the right path to take.

This acknowledgement resonates with my fascination for human behaviour and the dynamics shaping workplace culture. I genuinely believe every individual brings unique strengths and perspectives to the table, and it’s this diversity of thought that drives success within an organisation. Being recognised for my contributions inspires me to delve deeper into what makes people tick, advocate for their needs, and create an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. I am committed to fostering fairness and compassion, ensuring every team member feels heard and respected.

On a personal level, this recognition fuels my desire to make a positive impact at work. It reinforces my commitment to nurturing a culture of values essential for a supportive workplace. Knowing my efforts to understand and uplift my colleagues have not gone unnoticed motivates me to push myself further and strive for excellence in everything I do.

This award is an opportunity to inspire others within my organisation and the HR community. I want to show that with passion, dedication, and genuine care for people—along with a commitment to fairness and kindness—anyone can make a meaningful difference. I see this recognition as a platform to share my experiences, encouraging my colleagues to pursue professional growth and invest in those around them.

Ultimately, being shortlisted for this award allows me to contribute to a broader conversation about the critical role HR plays in shaping workplace culture and enhancing employee experience. It empowers me to advocate for investing in our people for everyone’s well-being and success.

What would it mean to your organisation to win an Investors in People 2024 Award?

Winning the HR Person of the Year at The Investors in People Awards 2024 would mean an enormous amount to me personally, as well as to my journey in HR. It would represent recognition of not only the work I’ve done, but also the values that guide me every day—my passion for understanding people, fostering fairness and compassion, and creating a workplace culture where individuals can genuinely grow and thrive. This award would affirm that my efforts to make a positive difference have been seen and appreciated, and that would be deeply fulfilling for me.

On a personal level, this would validate my belief that HR goes far beyond processes—it’s about creating a workplace that people are proud to be part of. I’ve always been fascinated by how people think and work, and I’ve tried to use that passion to shape an environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Winning this award would be an acknowledgement that my approach has made a real impact, motivating me to keep finding new ways to support and elevate the people around me.

For my organisation, it would be a moment of immense pride. It would validate the work we’ve done together to build a people-first culture, reinforcing that our commitment to our employees is being recognised on a broader stage. This recognition would show that we’re not just meeting expectations, but exceeding them by creating a workplace where people feel they belong and are empowered to do their best. It would inspire our team to continue embracing our core values of growth, respect, and dedication, and foster a sense of collective achievement in the culture we’ve built together.

More than anything, this award would provide a platform for further growth, both personally and professionally. It would open up new opportunities and connections, allowing me to continue evolving as an HR professional, inspire others and contribute even more to my organisation.

How important is it for your organisation to be a part of the Investors in People community and engage in awards and events like this one?

Being part of the Investors in People community, awards and events like this one are incredibly important. It not only reinforces our commitment to best practices in people management but also aligns with our core values of growth, dedication, and respect. By engaging in this community, we demonstrate our dedication to continuously improving our workplace culture and supporting our employees’ development.

Participating in these awards allows us to benchmark our practices against industry standards and gain valuable insights into what makes organisations truly great places to work. This helps us identify areas for improvement and innovation, ensuring that we remain competitive and responsive to the evolving needs of our workforce. It also highlights our commitment to fairness and compassion in our approach to HR, reinforcing the idea that our employees are our greatest asset.

Additionally, being involved in the IIP community fosters a sense of belonging and shared purpose among our team. It connects us with like-minded organisations that prioritise people development and recognise the importance of investing in their workforce. This networking opportunity can lead to valuable collaborations and knowledge-sharing, enabling us to learn from others’ successes and challenges.

Awards and events also serve to boost employee morale and pride in our working lives. When we are recognised for our efforts, it creates a positive ripple effect, motivating everyone to strive for excellence and embrace our values fully. It fosters a culture of recognition, where achievements are celebrated and every team member feels valued for their contributions.

Ultimately, being part of the Investors in People community is more than just a badge of honour; it is a commitment to ongoing growth, development, and the well-being of our employees. Investing in our people is not only beneficial for Mostrim but essential for a successful, thriving workforce.

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14th Nov 2023 | Old Billingsgate, London

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