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LEARNING & DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE
EXCELLENCE IN LEARNING AWARDS 2026
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Pearse Walsh Award 2026 Best Learning & Development Team
Iarnród Éireann Iarnród Éireann showcased a learner-centric and strategically aligned approach to talent and capability development. Their focus on organisational capability, multilayered L&D pathways with creative leadership development and initiatives such as Women in Leadership pathways, highlighted the team’s commitment to supporting both individual and organisational success.
Northern Trust Northern Trust presented a comprehensive and strategically aligned learning ecosystem, supporting capability development across a complex global environment. Their commitment to leadership development, business impact and ongoing professional growth highlights a mature and future-focused Learning and Development function.
An Post An Post demonstrated a structured and strategic approach to learning and development through the An Post Institute, with initiatives focused on digital capability, learner pathways with personas and supporting organisational priorities. The L&D team emphasis on business partnership, creative learner-centred design and continuous improvement was evident throughout.
Harvest is delighted to announce the five finalists shortlisted for the Pearse Walsh Award 2026, which honours and recognises an exceptional Learning and Development Team. Iarnród Éireann, Northern Trust, An Post, Musgrave and Sun Life Exceptional Learning and Development teams demonstrate strong collaboration, innovation and a commitment to continuous improvement, delivering impactful learning initiatives that are strategically aligned with organisational priorities and support business success. Through their detailed applications and highly informative presentations, each of the finalists demonstrated a deep commitment to developing organisational capability, fostering a culture of learning and ensuring their work delivers meaningful value for both learners and the wider business. Across diverse sectors and contexts, the L&D teams showcased strong strategic alignment, innovative approaches to learning design and delivery, and a clear focus on preparing and equipping their organisations for the future. Overall, the quality of applications for the Best L&D Team award was extremely high this year. The judging team were very impressed with level of commitment, professionalism and
innovative approaches the finalists brought to their organisations. They all brought bespoke L&D solutions to address real business needs and develop individual and team capability. We loved the L&D teams’ commitment to their own CPD and developing complementary strengths within their teams and partnering models so they could provide best L&D advice and direction to support their organisations.
Musgrave Musgrave showcased a highly collaborative partnering approach with their 6-step L&D engagement model. Strong strategic alignment and innovative capability-building initiatives in areas such as data, storytelling and AI. Their focus on behavioural impact, stakeholder engagement and continuous evolution of learning solutions was particularly impressive.
Sun Life Sun Life demonstrated an innovative team structure and a strong focus on capability, collaboration and business priorities. Their work in digital capability development, supported by robust measurement and evaluation, reflects a learning culture that is both strategic and impactful, with clear outcomes in internal mobility, automation and employee skill development.
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