Celebrating achievement

OUTSTANDING contributions to public services were celebrated at the council’s staff awards ceremony at the town hall.

More than 260 employees were nominated by residents and colleagues for their hard work and achievements.

Eight awards were presented to individuals and teams in a wide range of roles.

The Pride of the Borough Award, solely nominated by local people, was won by library worker Irene Peachey. Described as someone who is ‘loved by parents and youngsters right across the borough’, Irene has provided literacy and rhyme sessions to children for many years.

Employee of the Year was awarded to receptionist Amanda Price. As the first point of contact for many staff, visitors and suppliers, judges said her cheery and good natured approach leaves a positive impression on everyone.

The Community Action Award went to Nadeem Hussain. The award recognised his work across the borough volunteering for a range of local charities as well as working with young people. He has a strong sense of civic pride and was described as a ‘tireless volunteer’.

Chloe Johnson, one of the council’s rising stars, won Young Employee of the Year.

Chloe is an apprentice outreach worker and active community champion who works to support vulnerable young people.

Learner of the Year was Georgia Harden. Over the last 18 months the finance business support officer has gone from strength to strength, passing her exams, undertaking further training and now mentoring other apprentices.

Gardeners Jamie White and Mark Bourne won the Outstanding Achievement Award for their stunning displays which included the multi-award winning ‘silent soldier’ pop-up garden in Rochdale town centre.

Team awards went to the Rising Participation and Skills team for managing the innovative apprenticeships scheme as well as the CounterFraud team for achieving more than £350,000worth of savings last year.

Council chief executive Steve Rumbelow said: “Whether it’s filling potholes, helping children and families, finding people jobs, keeping our parks pristine, emptying bins, looking after vulnerable adults or one of the hundreds of other services we provide, our staff help make the borough a better place.”

●●Andy Turner and Toni Carter, from the raising participation and skills team, receive the Inspiring Change Award from Suzanne Banks, from Agilisys, alongside council chief executive Steve Rumbelow

●●The Counter Fraud Team receives the Team of the Year Award from Philip Whitehead, of Countryside Properties

●●Chloe Johnson, Young Employee of the Year, is presented with her award by Jenna Brown, from Keepmoat Homes, and council chief executive Steve Rumbelow

●●The pride of the borough award went to library worker Irene Peachey. It was presented by Farah Ellis, from Link4Life

●●The outstanding achievement award was won by gardeners Jamie White and Mark Bourne presented by Nicholas Moore from YPO, the chief executive Steve Rumbelow and the mayor of Rochdale, Coun Mohammed Zaman

●●Georgia Harden is presented with the Innovation Award by Jilly Nagy, from Rochdale Training, alongside council chief executive Steve Rumbelow

●●Receptionist Amanda Price wins Employee of the Year, presented by Patsy Gallagher, from Cooney Civil Engineering