The finalists in this category are:

Ian Walters

Ian is Chief Executive of Action Mental Health. During his 8 years with Action Mental Health, he has been instrumental in leading the organisation through a significant process of development and change. Ian is described as a role model for learning and development because over the years he has invested significantly in his own personal learning and development and has been an ambassador for learning and development within his organisation. He has demonstrated a strong commitment to ensuring that, regardless of financial constraints faced by the Voluntary sector, his budget for team learning and development has increased year on year.

John Gartland

John is Chief Executive of Ulidia Housing Association. John sets a high priority on developing all those involved with Ulidia, whether volunteers or paid members of staff- he always ensures that staff and Board members receive appropriate training for their roles. Ulidia has recently achieved IIP for the fourth time and John has introduced a system of staff appraisal that focuses on development and has instituted training budgets for each staff member linked to their personal development plans. This has led to a number of staff achieving qualifications up to and including an MBA.

Michael Mc Goldrick

Michael leads First Steps Women’s Centre in Dungannon. He was the architect behind the organisation be recognised for IIP status in June 2009. Michael is completely committed to ensuring development of his team in many different ways including allocating funding to attend courses / conferences, providing study leave, offering child care support as well as offering flexible working arrangements. In just two years, with complete focus on every area of the business and a special emphasis on learning and development, Michael has managed to save his organisation from closure and create a vibrant, energised organisation with a clear and effective strategy and a bright future.

The winner is John Gartland

Donna Traynor; John Gartland, Ulidia Housing Association; Brendan Clarke, Open College Network NI