The Abu Dhabi School of Government (ADSG), the leading government platform for developing human competencies in Abu Dhabi, has won the coveted gold, silver and bronze awards in the ‘Learning and Development’ category at the 2021 Brandon Hall Group Human Capital Management (HUC) Excellence Awards for its ‘General Competencies Program’, which was launched in partnership with the Knowledge Group (KG), the training, development and consulting arm of Abu Dhabi University (ADU).

The awards recognize and commends the measureable results achieved through the Academy’s learning and development programs and strategies. 

ADSG received the gold award in the ‘Best Unique or Innovative Learning and Development Program’category for developing an innovative workplace learning program that drives a positive impact for learners and the organization as a whole.

ADSG gained a silver accolade in the ‘Best Use of Blended Learning’category for developing a workplace-learning program using two or more delivery methods, combining traditional instructor-led training (ILT) with a mix of computer-based activities.

In addition, ADSG won a Bronze Award for Excellence in the “Best Advance in Competencies and Skill Development” category for creatingand delivering an effective workplace development program designed to address the competency or skill gaps within an organization while also demonstrating a positive impact on the learners and organization.

H.E. Mohamed Gheyath Mohammed, Acting Director-General of the ADSG, said: “The world has witnessed a great number of challenges, onset by the pandemic andrapid developments in technological revolution. At the ADSG,we saw that it was necessary to adapt learning and development to these rapid changes. We developed a quick plan, identifying opportunitieswhere we could implement thebest practices that would empower Abu Dhabi government employees and enablea continuous education journey.

By encouragingprofessional development through our programs such as the ‘General Competencies Program’, participants and students are able to learn how to tackle challenges with sheer confidence. These awards are a great impetus for ADSG, and with the full support of the Department of Government Support, we are thrilled to continue developing and upskilling the human capital in Abu Dhabi to achieve a brighter future for all”.

Sumaya Al Hosani, Dean of the ADSG,commented: “Enhancing government employees’ competencies in Abu Dhabi is one of our primary goals. This entails providing high-quality programs that in spite of challenges, enables participants to learn and develop their skills. At the ADSG, we strive to create programs that follow and exceed international standards, and the‘General Competencies Program’ is at the forefront of these programs. ADSG is determined to support a continuous learning and development culture that will build a sustainable and knowledge-based economy. These awards are crucial as they recognizethe efforts and strategies that develop the competencies of government employees through world-class programs and initiatives.”

Sheikha Ali Al Ahbabi, Head of the General Programs Department at the ADSG, said: “The ‘General Competencies Program’ aims to build a personal and professional learning journey for Abu Dhabi government employees. Focused on applying the most critical competencies throughout the learning journey, this program offers an unmissable opportunity to enhance participants’ leadership and working capabilities. At the ADSG, we believe that prosperity lies in educating our next generation. This is made possible by equipping participants with the best global learning practices and aligning with our unique and rich culture. I thank the Brandon Hall Excellence Awards for their initiatives from which we have learnt a lot and has enabled us to develop our institutional capabilities.”

Dr. Ahmad Badr, Chief Executive Officer and a Founding Member of Knowledge Group commented: “At Knowledge Group, we believe excellence is achieved when we go beyond client’s expectations and through maintaining the highest professional standards. We also understand that knowledge never stands still and we constantly look to reinvent ourselves and question the ways that we operate. These three awards are a testament to our core values of operating with openness and honesty with our partners and our commitment to delivering world-class professional development services.”

A panel of industry veterans, independent senior industry experts, Brandon Hall Group analysts and executives evaluated entries based on the following criteria: fit the need, design of the program, functionality, innovation and overall measurable benefits.

Excellence Award winners are scheduled to be honored at Brandon Hall Group’s HCM Excellence Conference, February 1 to 3, 2022, at the Hilton West Palm Beach, Florida. Select winners will also serve as presenters in breakout sessions, sharing their leading practices during the conference.

“Brandon Hall Group Excellence Awards 2021 provides a much-needed and well-deserved recognition to organizations that went above and beyond to support their stakeholders during the unprecedented disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Rachel Cooke, Brandon Hall Group COO and leader of the HCM Excellence Awards Program.

“These awards provide validation of best practices in all areas of HCM at a time when they have never been more important to employers, employees and customers.”

“We added several awards categories this year to specifically address critical needs, including how organizations addressed the new dynamics of work and embedded the principles of diversity, equity and inclusion in their HCM practices,” Mike Cooke, CEO of Brandon Hall Group, said.

He added:“Winning organizations in all categories demonstrated a people-centric approach while driving superior business results under challenging and unprecedented conditions. Demonstrating HCM’s impact on the business is what sets our awards apart.”

The winners are listed at https://www.brandonhall.com/excellenceawards/past-winners.php

We accept Guest Posts