2025 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 2025 ceremony was our 6th time hosting these awards.
Young Employee of the Year Award 2025
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: Molly McGrady
Insurance officer Molly McGrady 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'.
Award sponsored by Rochdale Training.
Young Employee of the Year Molly McGrady, with (left) Emma Lowe-Hewitt from sponsor Rochdale Training and chief executive Steve Rumbelow.
Pioneering for Change Award 2025
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: Jamie Scoltock
Jamie 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.
Award sponsored by A & T Surfacing Limited.
Pictured from left to right: Daniel Cunnae from sponsor A & T Surfacing, Pioneering for Change Award winner Jamie Scoltock and Steve Rumbelow, council chief executive.
Team of the Year Award 2025
This award recognises outstanding achievements by amazing teams that have gone the extra mile for the council, the borough and its residents.
Winner: Rochdale Town Hall team
The team responsible for running the world famous building, which re-opened in 2024 after a major 4 year restoration, has already helped welcome 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.
Award sponsored by Metro Moneywise.
The Rochdale Town Hall Team with Ciara Davies from Metro Moneywise (3rd from left) and chief executive Steve Rumbelow.
Proud to Make a Difference Award 2025
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: The commissioning and placement team
This team find foster care for local children, which is often emotionally draining work and requires late nights. The team rises to the challenge, creating a kind and nurturing environment and setting an example for their counterparts across other local authorities.
Award sponsored by Indurent.
The commissioning and placement team (centre) with Richard Hickman from sponsor Indurent and council chief executive Steve Rumbelow.
Employee of the Year 2025
This award is for the member of council staff who has done something special and deserves recognition. Quality work, consistently delivered.
Winner: Ben Elliot
Ben was commended for his dedication to helping residents facing challenges with finances, employment, mental health, relationships, and education. He was praised for fostering a safe space for tough conversations and persevering through difficult circumstances to make sure crucial support reached those who needed it most.
Award sponsored by Cooney Civil Engineering.
Employee of the Year Ben Elliott. Unfortunately, Ben was unable to attend the awards evening.
Passionate About Excellence Award 2025
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: Samantha Wiliams
Samantha manages a team that supports young people as they move from the care of children’s services to adult services. She 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.
Award sponsored by Agilysis.
Passionate About Excellence Award winner Samantha Williams (centre) with Julie Heywood from sponsor Agilisys and chief executive Steve Rumbelow.
ACE Outstanding Contribution 2025
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: Lauren Mason
Sadly, Lauren passed away in November 2024. The award was collected by her daughter Isabelle, who received an emotional standing ovation.
During over 15 years at the council, Lauren, a hugely valued member of the townships team based in Middleton and a member 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 flood response in 2015, supported residents during The Beast from the East and was lead officer for a virtual hub in Middleton during the pandemic.
Lauren 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.
Award sponsored by Arcadis.
Orla Bermingham from sponsor Arcadis (left), with chief executive Steve Rumbelow, Isabelle Mason and mayor of Rochdale, Councillor Shakil Ahmed.