High-performing HR professionals recognised by leading independent recruitment company Allen Associates

The annual prize-giving was hosted by Allen Associates at their Oxford head office and rewards academic achievement. It also served to highlight the long-term partnership between Oxford Brookes University and Allen Associates, now in its 11^th year.

Both prize winners undertook the MA in Human Resource Management at Oxford Brookes University. Katie Dryden achieved the best overall performance on the course and Jessica Strickson was recognised for the best dissertation.

Both women were presented with a cheque for £500 by Eleanor Bromage, Associate Director at Allen Associates. Lecturer Jonathan Louw from Oxford Brookes was also present for the ceremony.

Katie Dryden commented: “I am absolutely delighted to have been awarded the Allen Associates Prize for best overall performance on the MA HRM programme. It really does mean so much to me and has proved that with hard work and determination you can achieve your goals. I would like to thank my husband, my family and friends, and all the wonderful staff at Oxford Brookes.

“I would encourage anybody who has an interest in furthering their professional insight to consider this course or similar. My topic, which explored how leadership styles can affect the organisational commitment and turnover intentions of millennial employees, is a pertinent one for many organisations. Millennials will soon be the largest generation within our workforce and as such they are shaping the future of work and how we approach leadership.”

Jessica Strickson added: “I am beyond thankful to receive the Allen Associates Prize for top dissertation in MA Human Resource Management. When I received the email from Kate Allen, I was overwhelmed with the news and excited to have the recognition of the achievement for my dissertation.

“To be selected for this prize is a notable achievement which has made the past couple of years studying even more rewarding. My dissertation allowed me to formulate recommendations on improving the support of the human factors during pre- and post-acquisition, to improve overall success rates of M&As for a management consultancy company and provide further areas of research.”

Kate Allen, Managing Director at Allen Associates, who last year commemorated their 20^th year in business, said: “We are delighted to support the awards this year. Both students have shown a real commitment to their studies and a passion for the sector, which will no doubt stand them in good stead for their future endeavours. I wish Katie and Jessica all the best for the next chapter in their careers.”

Speaking about his students, Jonathan Louw added: “At Brookes, we have a 30-year history of successfully supporting HR professionals towards qualified status, but no-one should doubt the level of insight and determination needed for the kind of outstanding achievements recorded by Katie and Jessica.”

He also praised the “long-standing and very generous commitment of Allen Associates to celebrating student success and supporting the growth and impact of the HR profession in the region."