Latest news with #recognition
National Post
4 days ago
- Business
- National Post
Achievers Honors Global Leaders in Recognition and Rewards in its Inaugural A-List Awards
Article content Awards honor leaders using science-backed recognition and rewards programs to shape culture and drive tangible business impact Article content TORONTO — Achievers, the world's most utilized recognition and reward software, is proud to announce the winners of the first Achievers A-List Awards, celebrating organizations who drive business success through creative and impactful approaches within the Achievers recognition and rewards platform. Article content Article content Achievers celebrated the winners of the 2025 Achievers A-List Awards at its Recognition Next event in Toronto, Canada, earlier this month. The A-List Award for Innovation category honors creative, high-impact strategies that are transforming company culture, driving business performance, and setting a new standard for employee recognition and engagement. Article content The Achievers A-List Award Winners of 2025 are: Article content Cineplex – By creating a dynamic and inclusive recognition system rewarding both high and low performers through a weighted scorecard, Cineplex improved NPS at 45% of locations and mitigated the typical guest satisfaction decline, achieving gains across key metrics. Coles – Coles creatively turned Employee Appreciation Week into an extraordinary feel-good spike in recognition activity that celebrated the actions of more than 100,000 team members across Australia. ECI Software Solutions – ECI Software Solutions redefined and strengthened its culture by embedding recognition into the employee experience, seamlessly integrating team members from over 55 acquisitions into a single, value-driven community. Since launching the recognition program, employees have exchanged more than 700,000 High5s, showing just how connected and appreciated people feel across the company. GoDaddy – GoDaddy's 2024 Customer Service Week campaign redefined employee recognition through a bold blend of gamified engagement, interactive leadership involvement, and themed daily celebrations—driving a 51% surge in engagement and setting a new benchmark for recognition-driven employee experience excellence. Kellanova – Kellanova's Nourishing Resilience emotional health focused campaign sparked a 460% YoY increase in social recognition by empowering their employees to support one another amidst a time of uncertainty and transformation. This campaign was also supported by Achievers Managed Services. Prisma Health – By incorporating patient feedback from CipherHealth into their Inspire recognition program, team members gain a clearer understanding of the meaningful impact they have on the lives they touch. Quest Diagnostics – Quest Diagnostics credits a pilot program that used the Achievers platform to recognize top employees in patient services for helping to deliver triple digit growth in online customer reviews and improved customer ratings. Taylor Morrison – America's Most Trusted® Home Builder, Taylor Morrison, was selected for its two-year anniversary campaign, which prompted team members to share the meaningful, unique ways they've used their Applause points and resulted in a nearly 50% increase in recognition activity. Zurich North America – Zurich North America's 2024 U.S. National Accounts Results Driver campaigns promoted solution-oriented and customer-focused underwriting behaviors that helped to achieve a 30% increase in new business, improve product density, and recognize 62% more colleagues than prior years. Article content 'Achievers launched the A-List Awards to recognize organizations that don't just talk about valuing their people but embed employee appreciation into the very fabric of their culture,' said Kristian Gaetano, Chief Operating Officer at Achievers. 'This year's winners demonstrate that when leaders fully commit to recognition from the top down, it becomes a powerful catalyst for lasting organizational change and business results. These companies aren't just using the Achievers platform to drive a culture of appreciation, they're pushing the envelope on how recognition innovation can drive stronger business results, allowing them to thrive in a challenging talent market.' Article content The A-List Award winners were evaluated by key criteria including innovative contributions, strategic impact, and outcome measurement. Winning initiatives ranged from sales campaigns that drove new business, recognition efforts that elevated engagement scores, and inventive strategies that fostered cross-team collaboration and raised brand awareness. Article content Article content Article content Article content Article content Contacts Article content Media Contact Article content Article content Audrey Surette Article content Article content Article content
The Independent
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
How does the British honours system work?
The release of the King's Birthday Honours provides an opportunity to celebrate individual outstanding achievements and contributions to British society. But who decides how honours are handed out, and what exactly do they recognise? Here the PA news agency takes a look at the inner workings of the honours system: – What are honours for? Honours as part of orders of chivalry have been given by monarchs since the Middle Ages. In recent times, the British honours system has recognised people who have 'made achievements in public life' and 'committed themselves to serving and helping Britain'. It acknowledges long-term volunteers, innovators, entrepreneurs, individuals displaying 'moral courage', those making a difference in their community or field of work or people improving life for others less able to help themselves. Honours are given to people involved in a range of fields, including sport, health, science and technology, education, business, and the arts and media. Gallantry awards recognising bravery can also be given to members of the armed forces and the emergency services, as well as civilians. – How are people nominated for honours? Any member of the public or an official body can nominate someone for an honour. UK nationals and citizens of 15 Commonwealth 'realms' of which the King is head of state are eligible for nomination. People living or working overseas, whose achievements were made in another country or in the UK and have a significant international element, can be nominated too. Nominations are submitted to the Cabinet Office's Honours and Appointments Secretariat, which oversees the honours system. Non-British or Commonwealth country citizens can also considered for 'honorary' awards. – Who approves nominations? Consideration of nominations can take 12 to 18 months. The suitability of nominees submitted to the Honours and Appointments Secretariat is established through 'merit' and 'probity and propriety' checks. This vetting process, to avoid bringing the system into 'disrepute', can involve the input of Government departments, regulatory bodies, professional organisations, HM Revenue and Customs and the Acro Criminal Records Office. A group of 10 independent honours committees, each covering a specialist subject area such as sport or health, consider nominations. The recommendations of these groups of independent experts and senior civil servants are passed on to the Prime Minister and, ultimately, the King for approval. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) oversees the Diplomatic Service and Overseas List. – When are honours announced? Twice a year – at new year and in June on the King's official birthday. The lists are published in the official newspaper of the Crown, The Gazette. Once all recipients have been decided and checked, the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood at St James's Palace arranges investitures for the presentation of medals. These ceremonies, held about 30 times a year at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and, occasionally, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, and are hosted by senior royals. – What are the types of honours? Lists typically comprise knights and dames, appointments to the Order of the British Empire and gallantry awards. The most senior ranks of the Order of the British Empire are Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GBE) and Knight or Dame Commander (KBE or DBE). These ranks permit the use of the title 'Sir' for men and 'Dame' for women, with the honour given to those who have made major contributions in any field, usually at a national level. The order's ranks, after knighthood or damehood, are Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE) and Member (MBE). Other honours include: – Companion of Honour (CH) – The honour recognises significant contributions to the arts, science, medicine or government over a long period of time. It is limited to just 65 people at any one time. – British Empire Medal (BEM) – Evolved from a medal associated with the creation of the Order of the British Empire, the BEM honours local community service that has made a significant difference. Honour recipients are appointed to one of the orders of chivalry made up of different ranks, with most appointments made to the Order of the British Empire. Others include the Royal Victorian Order (RVO), to which the King personally appoints people for services to the British sovereign. The Order of the Bath is for senior civil servants and military officers, while the Order of St Michael and St George recognises service in a foreign country, or in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs. The Royal Red Cross (RRC), King's Police Medal (KPM), King's Fire Service Medal (KFSM) and King's Ambulance Service Medal (KAM) respectively recognise the services of nurses, police, firefighters and ambulance service workers.
The Independent
13-06-2025
- Science
- The Independent
N Ireland motorcyclist, war veteran and public inquiry chairwoman honoured
One of the world's most renowned road racers, an astrophysicist and the first woman to chair a public inquiry in Northern Ireland are among those being honoured by the King in his birthday honours. The region also has the oldest person to be honoured on the list, with 106-year-old Second World War veteran Norman Irwin, from Coleraine, in line for a British Empire Medal (BEM). Dozens of people from Northern Ireland have been recognised, including former permanent secretary at the Department of Health Peter May with the Order of the Bath for public service, and Michael Dunlop, 36, being made an MBE for services to motorcycle racing. From starting his racing journey as one of the famous Dunlop family dynasty of Ballymoney, Co Antrim, in 2006, Michael has gone on to become the most successful rider in the history of the Isle of Man TT, with 32 wins, and has overall won more than 120 national road races. He said: 'I've spent years pushing through every high and low life could throw at me. No matter the challenge, I've always given everything 100% on and off the track. 'To now be recognised in this way is a privilege beyond words.' Astrophysicist Dame Jocelyn Bell Burnell, 81, originally from Lurgan, Co Armagh, who as a doctoral student discovered the first radio pulsars in 1967, is to be made a Companion of Honour, and Christine Smith KC, from Co Down, chairwoman of the Urology Services Inquiry, is being made a CBE. Ms Smith said she is 'deeply honoured'. 'I feel privileged to be the recipient as the first woman to chair a public inquiry in Northern Ireland,' she said. 'I see it as a recognition of the incredible mentors and champions I have had throughout my career, and I am most grateful for their support. 'I also see it as a reflection of the collective effort of my team on the Urology Services Inquiry (USI,) and those I have been lucky to work with on previous inquiries, including the Independent Neurology Inquiry (INI), the Renewable Heat Incentive Inquiry (RHI) and in particular the Inquiry into Historical Institutional Abuse (HIA).' Meanwhile, Richard Taylor, governor of Hydebank Wood Secure College and Women's Prison, is being made an OBE for public service. Mr Taylor credited the whole team of staff for being part of a 10-year process of turning the south Belfast facility around, following a critical inspection report in 2013, to being described as a 'model of excellence'.
BBC News
13-06-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Fifteen Devon residents named in King's Birthday Honours 2025
Fifteen people from across Devon have been recognised in the King's Birthday Honours people from Devon were appointed CBEs, four OBEs, seven were appointed MBEs and two appointed Burroughs, 80, from Yelverton, said he was "absolutely delighted but very humbled" after he was appointed an MBE for his services to education, including his time as trustee and chair at Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf said the award was "totally out of the blue". Mr Burroughs was asked to join the trustee board of the academy with the specific intention of applying his professional skills to the task of securing new premises for the new building opened in 2020, having been created specifically to support visual communication. He added his time in office came to an end five years ago. "All of a sudden you get recognition for it", he said."It was a complete surprise."It's wonderful to be recognised and I suppose it's a recognition for the time and effort you've given your time to help maybe the people that need support."Being able to help young deaf children, improve their lives and their life opportunities was fantastic."Dame Angela Pedder, chair of trustees at the academy, said: "Peter's period of leadership was transformational for the Deaf Academy." Who was appointed CBE? Peter Michael Cox, from Exeter, professor of climate system dynamics in mathematics, University of Exeter. Appointed a CBE for services to science and to climate Ruth Endacott, from Exeter, director of nursing and midwifery, National Institute for Health and Care Research. Appointed a CBE for services to nursing research and critical care education and practice. Who was appointed an OBE? Carole Mary Boulanger, from Ottery St Mary, consultant nurse and advanced critical care practitioner at the Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, and board member, the faculty of intensive care medicine. Appointed an OBE for services to critical Shirley Christine Lane (Shirley Price), from Plymouth. Emerita professor of toxicology, University of Surrey. Appointed an OBE for services to industry and consumer protection. Professor Timothy Michael Lenton, from Exeter. Founding director, Global Systems Institute, University of Exeter, and chair in climate change and earth system science. Appointed an OBE for services to understanding climate tipping Jane Pearson Nixon from Buckfastleigh. Director, Taryn Nixon Heritage Works and trustee, National Lottery Heritage Fund. Appointed an OBE for services to archaeology and heritage. Who was appointed an MBE? Peter Hugh Burroughs from Yelverton. Lately trustee and chair, Exeter Royal Academy for Deaf Education. Appointed an MBE for services to Bernard Carlisle, from Ashburton. Consultant anaesthetist, Torbay and South Devon NHS Foundation Trust. Appointed an MBE for services to medicine and patient Ruth Hague, from Cullompton. Principal adult occupational therapist, Devon County Council and chair, National Principal Occupational Therapist Network. Appointed an MBE for services to occupational therapy in adult social Susan Hampshire, from Sidmouth. Lately museum manager and cultural lead, Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery. Appointed an MBE for services to culture in Charlotte Manning, from Exmouth. Lately managing director, S12 Solutions. Appointed an MBE for services to mental Julie Amanda Weyman, from Brixham. Chief executive officer, The Academies for Character and Excellence Trust, Devon. Appointed an MBE for services to Yelf, from Totnes. Lately chief executive, Macular Society. Appointed an MBE for services to people living with macular disease. Who was appointed a BEM? Geoffrey Edwards, from Barnstaple. Appointed a BEM for services to the community in Kate Weedon, from Ilfracombe. Appointed a BEM for services to the community in Berrynarbor.
The Independent
13-06-2025
- Politics
- The Independent
What are the King's Birthday Honours – and how are recipients selected?
The release of the King's Birthday Honours provides an opportunity to celebrate individual outstanding achievements and contributions to British society. This year, 1,215 people will be acknowledged from politicians, musicians and actors to senior diplomats and elite sports stars. But who decides how honours are handed out, and what exactly do they recognise? What are honours for? Honours as part of orders of chivalry have been given by monarchs since the Middle Ages. In recent times, the British honours system has recognised people who have 'made achievements in public life' and 'committed themselves to serving and helping Britain'. It acknowledges long-term volunteers, innovators, entrepreneurs, individuals displaying 'moral courage', those making a difference in their community or field of work or people improving life for others less able to help themselves. Honours are given to people involved in a range of fields, including sport, health, science and technology, education, business, and the arts and media. Gallantry awards recognising bravery can also be given to members of the armed forces and the emergency services, as well as civilians. How are people nominated for honours? Any member of the public or an official body can nominate someone for an honour. UK nationals and citizens of 15 Commonwealth 'realms' of which the King is head of state, are eligible for nomination. People living or working overseas, whose achievements were made in another country or in the UK and have a significant international element, can be nominated too. Nominations are submitted to the Cabinet Office's Honours and Appointments Secretariat, which oversees the honours system. Non-British or Commonwealth country citizens can also be considered for 'honorary' awards. Who approves nominations? Consideration of nominations can take 12 to 18 months. The suitability of nominees submitted to the Honours and Appointments Secretariat is established through 'merit' and 'probity and propriety' checks. This vetting process, to avoid bringing the system into 'disrepute', can involve the input of Government departments, regulatory bodies, professional organisations, HM Revenue and Customs and the Acro Criminal Records Office. A group of 10 independent honours committees, each covering a specialist subject area such as sport or health, consider nominations. The recommendations of these groups of independent experts and senior civil servants are passed on to the Prime Minister and, ultimately, the King for approval. The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) oversees the Diplomatic Service and Overseas List. When are honours announced? Twice a year – at the new year and in June on the King's official birthday. The lists are published in the official newspaper of the Crown, The Gazette. Once all recipients have been decided and checked, the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood at St James's Palace arranges investitures for the presentation of medals. These ceremonies, held about 30 times a year at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and, occasionally, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, are hosted by senior royals. What are the types of honours? Lists typically comprise knights and dames, appointments to the Order of the British Empire and gallantry awards. The most senior ranks of the Order of the British Empire are Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GBE) and Knight or Dame Commander (KBE or DBE). These ranks permit the use of the title 'Sir' for men and 'Dame' for women, with the honour given to those who have made major contributions in any field, usually at a national level. The order's ranks, after knighthood or damehood, are Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE) and Member (MBE). Other honours include: Companion of Honour (CH) – The honour recognises significant contributions to the arts, science, medicine or government over a long period of time. It is limited to just 65 people at any one time. British Empire Medal (BEM) – Evolved from a medal associated with the creation of the Order of the British Empire, the BEM honours local community service that has made a significant difference. Honour recipients are appointed to one of the orders of chivalry made up of different ranks, with most appointments made to the Order of the British Empire. Others include the Royal Victorian Order (RVO), to which the King personally appoints people for services to the British sovereign. The Order of the Bath is for senior civil servants and military officers, while the Order of St Michael and St George recognises service in a foreign country, or in relation to foreign and Commonwealth affairs. The Royal Red Cross (RRC), King's Police Medal (KPM), King's Fire Service Medal (KFSM) and King's Ambulance Service Medal (KAM) respectively recognise the services of nurses, police, firefighters and ambulance service workers.
