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Highlights from the 2024 Graduation Ball
CIPD Successes at The DMS Ireland Graduation Ball 2026
Northern Ireland’s largest Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development (CIPD) Centre, DMS Ireland, hosted the 2026 Graduation Ball on Friday 19th June at the Stormont Hotel Belfast at which 60 individuals were recognised in successfully completing their professionally accredited qualifications in Human Resources and Learning & Development.
Managing Director of DMS Ireland, Lynn Carson, congratulated graduates and highlighted the growing demand for flexible professional learning.
“We are delighted to celebrate the achievements of our graduates, many of whom travelled from across the UK, Ireland and beyond to join us. For some, this was the first opportunity to meet face-to-face after studying online.” Lynn continued:
“Our candidates are never simply a number. From their initial enquiry through to graduation, we pride ourselves on providing a personalised learning experience that helps people develop their careers and make a real difference within their organisations.”
In total, over 136 individuals completed their CIPD qualifications with DMS Ireland in the past 24 months at Foundation, Associate and Advanced Levels. Chloe Faulkner was also successful in completing two Level 5 qualifications by completing the Associate Diploma in People Management first and then adding the additional three Learning & Development specialist units to also gain the Associate Diploma in Organistional Learning & Development.
Peter Cheese, in his final month as Chief Executive of CIPD addressed the audience via a recorded message:
“Many congratulations on achieving your CIPD qualifications on this, your graduation day. DMS Ireland and Lynn and team have been long-starting partners of the CIPD in delivering the qualifications and I’m confident that you will have had a really good learning experience.” Peter spoke about how this is a very important time for us as profession and our role in helping organisations get he best of people and technology and the culture which help people thrive. Peter further added: “I hope that you will take forward these qualifications both as recognition of your learning, commitment, knowledge and capabilities that will stand you in good stead for your career, allowing you to make the impact that our profession is all about, helping people thrive at work and through that, helping organisations to succeed as well. When we do these things we are impacting our societies and wider economy of which we are all a part of.”
Johnny Matthews, Founder and CEO of the innovative, talent acquisition platform, SeeMeHired.com, principal sponsor for the Graduation Ball, expressed his congratulations to everyone explaining that: “Your qualification is not just a certificate, it’s a mark of commitment to better workplaces, better leadership, better conversations and ultimately better outcomes. HR is at every stage of an employee’s journey, from recruitment and development to promotion, maternity, return to work and moments of celebration.”
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of the DMS Ireland Candidate of the Year Award 2026 to David Kerr-McCullough, who was recognised for demonstrating the CIPD Profession Map’s core behaviours while translating his learning into meaningful workplace impact. Presenting the award on behalf of media partner nijobfinder, Business Manager Colin Maxwell said:
“David’s achievement reflects not only academic success but also exceptional resilience, professionalism and commitment to continuous professional development. We are proud to continue our partnership with DMS Ireland in celebrating the outstanding talent within the People Profession across Northern Ireland and beyond.”
The DMS Ireland Special Award Winners of 2026 are:
Special Award, Foundation Level
Aoife McGeoghegan, Conexia HR
Katherine Anglesea, Conexia HR
Special Award, Associate Level, Learning & Development:
Simone D’Arcy, NILGOSC
Special Award, Associate Level, People Management:
Danielle Champion, PwC
Special Award, Advanced Level:
Charlene Stoops, Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council
Special Award for Employment Law:
Brian Chapokoka, NIMDTA
Candidate of the Year 2026:
David Kerr-McCullough
Ben Robinson, PwC was also presented with his Foundation level Special Award from the 2024 Graduation which he was unable to attend.
Closing the evening, Lynn Carson reaffirmed DMS Ireland’s commitment to supporting the future of the profession.
“Our vision is to make a genuine difference by helping people progress their careers while creating positive impact within their organisations. As workplace learning continues to evolve, providing flexibility and choice has never been more important.”
DMS Ireland thanked the event sponsors: SeeMeHired, Investors in People, Conexia HR, Lewis Silkin and media partner nijobfinder for supporting the 2026 Graduation Ball.