The Digital HR and Technology Award recognises the effective use of tech by HR teams to bring about business benefits. The Personnel Today Awards 2026 judges, presented with high-quality entries, considered projects as diverse as large digital HR transformation projects and small-scale deployment of apps and sought evidence of how the technological intervention had solved a problem. Here we profile the shortlist.
UNICEF UK in partnership with Consensio
And finally, our last shortlisted organisation for the Digital HR and Technology category at the Personnel Today Awards 2026 is UNICEF in partnership with Consensio.
The Consensio app helps employers address workplace conflict earlier, recognising that managers often rely on HR because they lack confidence in handling difficult conversations. The aim for UNICEF was to democratise conflict management skills by giving employees practical guidance when they need it, alongside continuous learning to build confidence and conflict resilience.
Unicef UK began a one-year pilot of the app in April 2025, aligning it with its inclusive, values-led culture, EDI and wellbeing commitments, and conflict resolution framework. The app provides practical conflict support through monthly bite-sized live training, on-demand videos and interactive content, helping colleagues address current challenges while building skills for future workplace issues.
The focus was not simply on launching technology, but on making support accessible, relevant and engaging. A stakeholder group helped shape the platform and build champions, while internal communications, leadership sponsorship, newsletters, posters and video supported awareness and adoption. Monthly training was added directly to calendars, removing the need for pre-registration and increasing attendance fourfold.
Within the first year, 50% of Unicef UK employees used the app, with 60% of users returning each month. Employees rated their likelihood of recommending it to a colleague at 9/10, while 97% of live training participants said the content would help them better manage conflict. Qualitative feedback indicated that users felt more confident and approached difficult conversations “more open”.
The impact extended beyond usage, supporting stronger communication, greater self-awareness and earlier resolution. Unicef UK’s decision to continue with the app beyond the pilot demonstrates confidence in its longer-term value and potential to help sustain healthier workplace relationships.
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