Outstanding achievements and service to local residents by Rochdale Borough Council employees were recognised during the ACE Staff Awards held at Rochdale Town Hall.
7 awards were presented to individuals and teams after around 100 staff were nominated for excellence, commitment and hard work.
Pictured from left to right: Daniel Cunnae from sponsor A&T Surfacing; pioneering for change award winner Jamie Scoltock; and Steve Rumbelow.
The pioneering for change award sponsored by A&T Surfacing was won by Jamie Scoltock. He was praised for his knowledge and dedication while implementing a new way of enabling residents to report issues and defects on the highway, helping them be repaired more quickly.
The commissioning and placement team with Richard Hickman (pictured left) from sponsor Indurent and chief executive Steve Rumbelow (pictured right).
The commissioning and placement team who find foster care for local children won the proud to make a difference award, sponsored by Indurent. Whilst often emotionally draining work and requiring late nights, the team rise to the challenge creating a kind and nurturing environment, setting an example for their counterparts across other local authorities.
‘Well deserved’
Samantha Williams won the passionate about excellence award sponsored by Agilysis. She manages a team that supports young people as they move from the care of children’s services to adult services and was praised for how her passion to help disadvantaged young people shines through in her work. The improvements she has implemented make better links between council teams, health teams and educational establishments as well as streamlining the referral process to make it easier for young people to get support.
Pictured from left to right: Julie Heywood from Agilysys; Samantha Williams, winner of the passionate about excellence award; with chief executive Steve Rumbelow.
Young employee of the year sponsored by Rochdale Training was insurance officer Molly McGrady. She was described as a ‘true inspiration for all our apprentices’ and ‘a much valued and respected member of the team, working tirelessly and going above and beyond to meticulously investigate claims.’
Pictured from left to right: Emma Lowe-Hewitt from sponsor Rochdale Training; young employee of the year Molly McGrady; and chief executive Steve Rumbelow.
The Rochdale Town Hall Team was named team of the year, sponsored by Metro Moneywise. The team, responsible for running the world-famous building which re-opened last year after a major 4-year restoration has already helped welcomed more than 104,000 visitors and received a huge amount of glowing feedback. Daily tours are delivered by a band of volunteers and its popular restaurant ‘The Martlet’ has achieved national acclaim.
Employee of the year, Ben Elliott. Unfortunately Ben was unable to attend the awards.
Employee of the year sponsored by Cooney Civil Engineering was Ben Elliott. Supporting residents experiencing difficulties with finances, employment, mental health, relationships and education he was praised for the way he creates a safe space for difficult conversations, never giving up often in challenging circumstances to make sure the right support is provided where it is most needed.
Lauren Mason.
A very poignant ending to the evening saw the outstanding contribution award sponsored by Arcadis won by Lauren Mason. Sadly Lauren passed away in November 2024 and the award was collected by her daughter Isabelle who received an emotional standing ovation after an Ace Awards tribute to Lauren had been shown. During over 15 years at the council, Lauren, a hugely valued member of the townships team based in Middleton and of the forward incident team was described as a ‘shining star’ a ‘team player’ and ‘someone who was always available at a moments notice to respond in times of great need.’ First on the ground at many major incidents, Lauren gave up her Christmas holiday to be a key part of the Boxing Day floods response in 2015, supported residents during The Beast from the East and was lead officer for a virtual hub in Middleton during the pandemic. She also managed Middleton’s Remembrance Sunday events and the high profile unveiling of a memorial to Fusilier Lee Rigby in 2015. A series of other events such as Middleton’s Christmas Light’s Switch On and Rochdale Feel Good Festival also benefited from her dedication and enthusiasm.
Pictured from left to right: Orla Bermingham from sponsor Arcadis (left); chief executive Steve Rumbelow; Isabelle Mason; and mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Shakil Ahmed.
Chief executive Steve Rumbelow described Lauren as “an irreplaceable ambassador for Middleton, a hugely popular member of the team and a much-loved mother, daughter and friend to so many.”
The evening was opened by the mayor, Councillor Shakil Ahmed.
The evening was opened by the mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Shakil Ahmed, who said:
“I give my personal thanks to everyone and I want you to know you how much you and your work is appreciated. These awards recognise employees who go the extra mile and do things that are truly exceptional.”
Council leader Neil Emmott paid his own tribute to Lauren and congratulated the finalists.
Council leader Neil Emmott closed the awards, paying his own tribute to Lauren Mason and congratulating the finalists:
“I too had the pleasure of working with Lauren, what a shining star she was. We all miss her, not only as a brilliant council officer, but as a truly lovely person who lit up the room wherever she went. On behalf of all councillors and particularly the cabinet, I thank all the winners and finalists for a job very well done. I know how well deserved these awards are and how much all you have achieved."
The ACE Staff Awards were sponsored by Cooney Civil Engineering, Agilysis, Rochdale Training, Metro Moneywise, Indurent, A&T Surfacing, Arcadis, Your Trust and Oxygen Finance.
Rochdale band, The Repeat Offenders, on stage at the town hall.
During the evening there was comedy from stand-up Dominic Woodward and music from Rochdale band The Repeat Offenders, whose guitarist is senior highways officer, Alan Webster.