Rochdale Council thanks shining stars at staff awards

Date published: 21 March 2024

Outstanding achievements and service to local residents by Rochdale Borough Council employees were recognised during the Ace Staff Awards held at Rochdale Town Hall.

Seven awards were presented to individuals and teams after 95 staff were nominated for excellence, commitment and hard work.

The pioneering for change award sponsored by A&T Surfacing was won by Habiba Khatoon. She was praised for her enthusiasm and positive attitude as she co-ordinates work experience placements at the council, turning many into full time contracts and finding opportunities for long term unemployed residents.

Early help worker Cheryl Chilekwa won the proud to make a difference award, sponsored by CBRE. Her work includes finding support for struggling families and she provides a lifeline for many families encountering very challenging circumstances.

Adult care team leader Kelly Crossley won the passionate about change award sponsored by JB Civils. Described as someone who leads by example and is passionate about learning she has co-ordinated many events to support residents and nurture strong local community links.

Young employee of the year sponsored by Rochdale Training went to administration and finance officer Josh Ennis. He started as an apprentice during the pandemic and has very quickly become a highly valued member of the team.

All front line staff in environmental management were named team of the year, sponsored by Your Trust. The team ensure the borough’s parks and gardens look their best, and the results speak for themselves, with seven parks winning RHS Gold Medal awards and ten retaining Green Flag status.

Employee of the year sponsored by Cooney Civil Engineering was won by Ian Newton. Thanks to his hard work, the process for free school meal applications has reduced from over two weeks to just 15 minutes. He has pioneered the implementation of many new systems that help residents be supported more quickly.

The outstanding contribution award sponsored by Arcadis was presented to Jane Myers who has worked in adult care for three decades. During that time she has led on multiple programmes, driving improvements and implementing a vast range of positive changes, helping ensure resident’s needs are met in a personalised and individual way. Chief executive Steve Rumbelow described Jane as ‘the font of all knowledge, supportive, kind, generous and a very well-respected colleague.’

The evening was opened by the mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Mike Holly who said: “The mayoress and I really appreciate all the work that goes on and it is important to recognise employees who live and breathe our values, who have gone the extra mile and are doing things that are truly exceptional. I give my personal thanks to everyone and want to let you know how much you and your work is appreciated.”

Chief executive Steve Rumbelow added: “Hearing about the achievements of individuals and teams makes me and the rest of the leadership team extremely grateful and proud. The staff filling potholes, gritting our roads, helping children and families, finding people jobs, getting people to lead healthier lives, running our warm spaces, keeping our green flag parks pristine, transforming places through regeneration, emptying the bins, or delivering one of the hundreds of other services we provide are making our borough better. These awards are about saying a big thank you.”

Council leader Neil Emmott closed the evening saying: “It’s wonderful to be back here in the majestic town hall and I am so proud of all the finalists. As leader I get to see first-hand a lot of the work that you do and I know how much amazing work is being done.”

The awards were sponsored by Faun Zoeller, Cooney Civil Engineering, Your Trust, JB Civils, Rochdale Training, A&T Surfacing, CBRE, Arcadis and Agilysis.

During the evening there was a musical performance from Rochdale singer Rebecca Fitzgibbon, a personal assistant at the council as well as entertainment from magician Barrington Powell.