Council celebrates inspirational stars at staff awards

7 awards were presented to individuals and teams after around 200 staff were nominated for excellence, commitment and hard work.

The Pioneering for Change Award, sponsored by A&T Surfacing, was won by the Registration Team. They were praised for the way they have transformed Rochdale Register Office, significantly improving services for residents.

The Trading Standards Team, who have been tackling organised crime, won the Proud to Make a Difference Award, sponsored by Indurent. Their recent work clamping down on illegal ghost car number plates linked to criminal activity has been nationally recognised and the team seized over 94,000 fake products over the last year as well as tackling illegal dog breeders across the borough.

The Trading Standards Team with Robert Richardson from sponsor Indurent (3rd from left) and interim chief executive Julie Murphy (3rd from right).

The Number One Riverside reception team and the financial affairs team won the passionate about excellence award sponsored by Willmott Dixon. They were praised for their dedication, compassion and resilience, supporting vulnerable residents during very challenging circumstances.

Young Employee of the Year, sponsored by Rochdale Training, was townships support officer Hateeb Jamil. He is undertaking a customer service apprenticeship, having spent 7 months in the Work and Skills team. Now having secured a permanent role Hateeb was described as ‘going above and beyond, always eager to help and provide support for residents.’

Young Employee of the Year with Hateeb Jamil (centre), Emma Lowe-Hewitt from sponsor Rochdale Training (left) and interim chief executive Julie Murphy.

Rochdale Youth Service won Team of the Year, sponsored by Metro Moneywise. They were recognised for their compassion, professionalism and commitment to safeguarding the borough’s young people, whilst supporting the community and delivering youth work sessions in very challenging circumstances.

The Youth Service, with Ciara Davies from sponsor Metro Moneywise (right) and interim chief executive Julie Murphy (left).

Employee of the year sponsored by Cooney Civil Engineering was Sarah Lageard. Her work in adult social care has transformed how services are shaped and delivered and she was credited with building inclusive empowering spaces where individuals feel safe to share their experiences and shape the future of care.

Sarah Lageard (centre) with sponsor Lily Cooney from Cooney Civil Engineering (left) and interim chief executive Julie Murphy (right).

The final accolade of the evening was the outstanding contribution award, sponsored by Channel 3 Consulting. It was won by the culture and placemaking team at Rochdale Development Agency and Mark Roberts. The team led an extensive events programme during Rochdale’s hugely successful year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture that came to an end last month. Working with over 35 organisations, the team delivered over 100 events, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and making a significant economic impact. As lead communications officer for the year in the spotlight, Mark Roberts managed and delivered the year long marketing campaign for the programme of events and activities, amplifying Rochdale’s reputation across the North-West as well as helping to attract record audiences.

The Culture and Placemaking team with Mark Roberts (2nd left), Richard Heywood from sponsor Channel 3 Consulting (left) and interim chief executive Julie Murphy (right).

Interim chief executive Julie Murphy said:

The ACE Staff Awards were sponsored by:

Bhangracise got the audience on their feet during an energetic show at Rochdale Town Hall.

During the evening there was dancing from Bhangracise and music from singer Rebecca Fitzgibbon, a member of the council’s children’s services team.

Singer Rebecca Fitzgibbon performed during the event.