Rochdale honours shining stars at staff awards

Date published: 21 March 2023

Outstanding achievements and service to local residents by Rochdale Borough Council employees were recognised during The Ace Staff Awards held at Number One Riverside.

Seven awards were presented to individuals and teams after more than 140 staff were nominated for excellence, commitment and hard work.

The Community Action Award sponsored by CBRE was won by Nicola Gent. She works in adult care and her advice and support is a great help to families across the borough. She has also organised a range of fundraising events.

Housing project officer Sean Beech won the inspiring change award sponsored by A & T Surfacing. His work includes support for members of the Ukrainian community displaced by the Russian invasion of their country, the Leopold Court expansion increasing provision for the homeless and his changing futures project helping disadvantaged residents.

Employee of the year sponsored by Cooney Civil Engineering was awarded to Neil Helliwell, a senior finance officer. He has led on several tax-related initiatives and represents the council and Greater Manchester nationally on a VAT forum where he is very highly regarded.

Bryony Walters, receptionist at Derby Street children’s centre in Heywood won young employee of the year, sponsored by JB Civils Ltd. She was praised for her work ethic, supporting the local community and for her efficient and customer friendly approach.

Learner of the year, sponsored by Rochdale Training, was Hasnain Aslam. The data analyst apprentice has shown an aptitude for new ways of working in environmental management, creating new systems and applications, helping the council be more efficient 

The Junction 19 team in Heywood was named team of the year, sponsored by Your Trust, for their work on the new Queen Elizabeth II Way off the M62, which opened late last year. The project was described as fantastic example of what can be achieved by working together and the new road will provide great benefits to Heywood and the borough.

The outstanding contribution award sponsored by Arcadis was presented to Aileen Bollard, manager of Rochdale Register Office, in recognition of her ‘exceptional service over many years, always going above and beyond for customers and colleagues’. A great leader and an inspiration to her team, Aileen, who retires this summer was described as ‘a pillar of strength during some very challenging times.’

The evening was opened by the mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Ali Ahmed, who said: “I appreciate the work that goes on behind the scenes to make the really visible things we see happen. An evening like this reminds us about the huge amount of work we do and how we make a difference to people’s lives.”

Chief executive Steve Rumbelow added: “The staff out 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 recognising achievements and commitment, and saying a big thank you.”

Deputy council leader Janet Emsley closed the evening and said during the pandemic staff had to adapt and change in many ways: “I am so proud of all the individuals and teams making a difference. I know how well deserved these awards are and how much amazing work is being done.”

The awards were sponsored by Cooney Civil Engineering, Your Trust, JB Civils, Rochdale Training, A&T Surfacing, CBRE, Arcadis, Agilysis and The Lancashire Hospitality Co-operation.

During the evening there was a musical performance from Rochdale singer songwriter Katie O’Malley as well as entertainment from magician Barrington Powell and aerialist Sarah Elisabeth Flinton.