2024 ACE Staff Award winners
The ACE Staff Awards are our annual awards to celebrate and recognise the achievements of staff across the council.
The winners are presented with their awards at a special ceremony. The 2024 ceremony was our 5th time hosting these awards.
Young Employee of the Year Award 2024
This award rewards the work done by those aged 25 and under – the shining stars of the future. They’re bringing new energy, passion and enthusiasm to the organisation and they’re positive role models to others.
Winner: Josh Ennis
Award sponsored by Rochdale Training.
Pictured from left to right: Lee Shackleton from sponsor Rochdale Training; Young Employee of the Year Josh Ennis; and Steve Rumbelow, council chief executive.
Pioneering for Change Award 2024
This award celebrates staff who have done something innovative or transformational. The winner demonstrated a pioneering approach in their work that has had a positive impact on the organisation and its residents.
Winner: Habiba Khatoon
Award sponsored by A & T Surfacing Limited
Pictured from left to right: Steve Rumbelow, council chief executive; Luke O’Shaughnessy from sponsor A&T Surfacing; and Pioneering for Change Award winner Habiba Khatoon.
Team of the Year Award 2024
This award recognises outstanding achievements by amazing teams that have gone the extra mile for the council, the borough and its residents.
Winner: frontline staff from Environmental Management
Award sponsored by Your Trust
Some of the front line staff from environmental management with Estelle Rowe from Your Trust and Steve Rumbelow, council chief executive.
Proud to Make a Difference Award 2024
This award celebrates staff who have a made a positive difference; those who go the extra mile and have made a significant contribution to service delivery, to our reputation and to the lives of our customers and communities.
Winner: Cheryl Chilekwa
Award sponsored by Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis (CBRE) Limited
Early help worker Cheryl Chilekwa won the Proud to Make a Difference Award but was unable to attend the evening. (It was presented to her daughter by Giovanni Pilla from sponsor CBRE.)
Employee of the Year 2024
This award is for the member of council staff who has done something special and deserves recognition. Quality work, consistently delivered.
Winner: Ian Newton
Award sponsored by Cooney Civil Engineering
Pictured from left to right: Employee of the Year Ian Newton; Lily-Mae Cooney from sponsor Cooney Civil Engineering, who presented the award; and Steve Rumbelow, council chief executive.
Passionate About Excellence Award 2024
This award recognises employees that are delivering excellent public services. It's for those who work hard to ensure we provide quality services to meet local needs and aspirations…and those who take action on the issues that matter to them and our communities.
Winner: Kelly Crossley
Award sponsored by JB Civils Limited
Pictured from left to right: Jim Brandrett from sponsor JB Civils Limited; Kelly Crossley, winner of the Passionate About Excellence award; and Steve Rumbelow, council chief executive.
ACE Outstanding Contribution 2024
The winner of this award has been chosen by the Mayor of Rochdale and the chief executive of Rochdale Borough Council. It is awarded to the council employee who has demonstrated our values, lived and breathed them, and been generally amazing.
Winner: Jane Myers
Award sponsored by Arcadis
Pictured from left to right: Councillor Mike Holly, mayor of Rochdale; Outstanding Contribution award winner Jane Myers; Julian Cobley from sponsor Arcadis; and chief executive Steve Rumbelow, council chief executive.