Awards and recognition in 2024
This page lists the awards we've won so far in 2024.
North West in Bloom 2024
We and our partner organisations were awarded an incredible 26 gold awards, including:
- Best small cities – Rochdale in Bloom, Middleton in Bloom
- Best large towns – Heywood in Bloom, Littleborough, Pennines
- Best town/city centre – Rochdale, Middleton and Heywood. Rochdale town centre took gold in the wider Britain in Bloom awards.
- Best town – Norden, Wardle Village
- Small commercial – Pinnacle Living Ltd, Pheonix Brewery, The Tree House Café at Hopwood Park and Zen Internet
- Large commercial – Heywood Distribution Park
- Best retail – Pinnacle Living, Birtle
- Large parks – Queen's Park, Heywood and Denehurst Park, Rochdale
- Large village – Norden in Bloom
- Pocket park – Jubilee Park, Norden
- Small park – Hopwood Park, Heywood, Jubilee Park, Middleton and Hare Hill Park, Littleborough
- Best small tourist attraction – Healey Dell Heritage Centre and Tea Rooms
- Large tourist attraction – Hollingworth Lake, Watergrove Reservoir
- Best large accommodation – Birtle Brook Village, Rochdale
- Best urban community – Kirkholt and Balderstone in Bloom, Rochdale
- Best mosque – Golden Mosque, Rochdale
- Best new landscape award – Rochale Town Centre
We and our partner organisations were also awarded 2 silver gilt awards, including:
- Small commercial – Face Medical, Heywood
- Urban community – Spotland and Falinge
And 3 silver awards, including:
- Urban community – Castleton and Healey, Syke and Shawclough
- Small commercial – Venus Lounge, Heywood
Sitemorse Q4 2024 Local Government INDEX
The council's website came 7th out of almost 400 websites tested in the Sitemorse Local Government INDEX for the 4th quarter (October–December) in 2024.
In the UK Local Government sector, the INDEX ranks local government websites across the whole UK for areas including performance, compliance, accessibility and quality. This award demonstrates our commitment to making our website accessible to all.
Carbon Literate Organisation – bronze
In 2024 we became a bronze Carbon Literate Organisation (CLO). The Carbon Literacy Project is based on the key aim that if we are to cut our carbon emissions by the kind of reductions demanded of us by science, then we will need to change culture alongside technology. We offer Carbon Literacy training through our workplaces and have been awarded bronze.
CLO accreditation is the visible ‘badge’ that shows our commitment to Carbon Literacy (CL), having a substantial number of people who are Carbon Literate, and having a commitment to support our Carbon Literate people and maintain our low carbon culture.
Sitemorse Q3 2024 Local Government INDEX
The council's website came 2nd out of almost 400 websites tested in the Sitemorse Local Government INDEX for the 3rd quarter (July–September) in 2024.
In the UK Local Government sector, the INDEX ranks local government websites across the whole UK for areas including performance, compliance, accessibility and quality. This award demonstrates our commitment to making our website accessible to all.
Sustainable Food Places network
The borough of Rochdale achieved membership of the Sustainable Food Places network in supporting efforts to make local, healthy and sustainable food available to all in the area.
We had to demonstrate a commitment to improving the whole food system for the borough, including food production, food security, diet related ill health, impact on climate change and the local food economy.
Green Flag Awards
11 of Rochdale’s Borough Council’s green spaces again secured the prestigious Green Flag Award in 2024. In addition, for the first time, Springfield Park in Rochdale secured the accolade, taking the total to 12.
This international award recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces. It's a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is kept beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.
Sitemorse Q2 2024 Local Government INDEX
The council's website came 4th out of almost 400 websites tested in the Sitemorse Local Government INDEX for the 2nd quarter (April–June) in 2024.
In the UK Local Government sector, the INDEX ranks local government websites across the whole UK for areas including performance, compliance, accessibility and quality. This award demonstrates our commitment to making our website accessible to all.
Internet Crystal Mark 2024
The council's website achieved the Internet Crystal Mark awarded by the Plain English Campaign for the 11th consecutive year. There were many positives highlighted within the report. One of the highlights in the summary said, 'The website as whole is very well designed and is one of the best we've reviewed'.
This award demonstrates our continued commitment to plain English throughout the website.
Sitemorse Q1 2024 Local Government INDEX
The council's website came 3rd out of almost 400 websites tested in the Sitemorse Local Government INDEX for the 1st quarter (January–March) in 2024. Sitemorse tested over 150,000 pages across 1,231 websites in the following sectors: Government and Public Bodies, UK and IE Universities, UK London-listed PLCs and UK Local Government.
In the UK Local Government sector, the INDEX ranks local government websites across the whole UK for areas including performance, compliance, accessibility and quality. This award demonstrates our commitment to making our website accessible to all.
White Ribbon accreditation
Rochdale Borough Council is now White Ribbon accredited.
White Ribbon UK is the leading charity that works with men to end violence against women and girls. It is through promotions, volunteers, supporters and fundraising events that the message can be shared and can start to make difference.
Member of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter
We're proud to announce we've been awarded membership of the Greater Manchester Good Employment Charter.
As member, we're committed to providing work that is secure, flexible and fairly paid. We make sure our employees are developed, well-managed and engaged, with their health and wellbeing top priority.