Two HRM graduates recognised at prestigious Hr Network National Awards 2025

Strathclyde Business School graduate Alexis Hislop was named HR Graduate of the Year at the prestigious Hr NETWORK National Awards 2025 held at the Hilton in Glasgow on November 13, making it the fifth year in a row that a Strathclyde graduate has won this award.

Alexis (pictured right) studied her MSc in Human Resource Management in the Department of Work, Employment and Organisation, graduating in October 2024.

Now working with Edrington as an HR Advisor, Alexis was one of two Strathclyders recognised at the awards. Niki Cunningham (pictured left) - now employed by University of Strathclyde as an Assistant HR Adviser - was the winner in the HR Assistant/Officer of the Year category.

Alexis said, "Thursday night at the HR Scotland National Awards 2025 was an unforgettable experience. Being surrounded by so many HR professionals who are passionate about shaping the future of the field was inspiring, and to then walk away with an award was an incredible feeling. A huge thank you to HR Network Magazine for hosting such a fantastic event - the Hilton Glasgow looked amazing, and every detail reflected the effort that went into making the evening so special.

"My two years at Strathclyde University have been hugely rewarding. From the people I met to the lecturers who guided me, each part of the journey has shaped my development. I’m especially grateful to the Department of Work, Employment and Organisation for recognising my efforts and putting me forward for this award.

"Balancing full-time work with part-time study wasn’t always easy, but I’ve been fortunate to have the support of my employer, Edrington. Their encouragement has been invaluable and continues to fuel my ambition for ongoing professional growth. I’m already looking forward to future HR Scotland National Awards, while still smiling from the memories of the 2025 ceremony."

Niki, who also studied the MSc Human Resource Management, graduating in 2024, said, "I had an incredible night on Thursday at the Hr NETWORK Scotland National Awards 2025. I got to meet and chat with a room full of very impressive people, and the cherry on top was winning this award!

"It’s always nice to have your work recognised - especially in such a glamorous way. So thank you to everyone at Hr NETWORK Magazine that set up the event, it was obvious how much work went into it! A special shoutout to Skyscanner for sponsoring my category and presenting the award."

"I was delighted to be nominated by the Department of Work, Employment and Organisation and University of Strathclyde. I will continue to work as hard as I can to try to live up to this award. I can only hope I get the opportunity to one day collaborate with everyone I met on the night, and maybe even get to attend the event again in the future."

Over 650 guests attended the awards which recognise and reward the champions of the Scottish HR profession. The awards spanned 17 different categories 

This was the 18th annual gathering for the flagship event for HR professionals across Scotland, which was hosted for the third time by radio broadcaster and Scott Wilson.

The coveted Outstanding Contribution to Scottish HR award was presented to John Ferguson for his commitment and dedication to the HR profession in a career spanning over 35 years.

Professor Colin Lindsay, head of the Department of Work, Employment and Organisation, said, "We are delighted to see Alexis being named HR Graduate of the Year at this annual celebration of the HR industry in Scotland. We are also delighted that, as a department and business school, we have celebrated Strathclyde graduates winning this award for five consecutive years now. Our night got even better when Niki won the HR Assistant of the Year award, and I know that everyone at Strathclyde is proud to have her as part of our HR team. We take great pride in seeing our amazing graduates succeed. Their success is a testament to their hard work and also to the quality of our learning delivered by the Department of Work, Employment and Organisation." 

To see the full list of winners, go to the Hr Network awards webpage

Published: 19 November 2025