2026 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 2026 ceremony was our 7th time hosting these awards.
Young Employee of the Year Award 2026
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: Habeeb Jamil
Townships support officer Hateeb is undertaking a customer service apprenticeship, having spent 7 months in the Work and Skills Team. Now having secured a permanent role he was described as ‘going above and beyond, always eager to help and provide support for residents.’
Award sponsored by Rochdale Training.
Hateeb Jamil (centre) with Emma Lowe-Hewitt from Rochdale Training (left) and interim chief executive Julie Murphy (right).
Pioneering for Change Award 2026
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: The registration team
The team were praised for the way they have transformed Rochdale Register Office, significantly improving services for residents.
Award sponsored by A & T Surfacing Limited.
The registration team with Luke O'Shaughnessy from A & T Surfacing (left) and interim chief executive Julie Murphy (second from left).
Team of the Year Award 2026
This award recognises outstanding achievements by amazing teams that have gone the extra mile for the council, the borough and its residents.
Winner: Rochdale Youth Service
The Youth Service members were recognised for their compassion, professionalism and commitment to safeguarding the borough’s young people, whilst supporting the community and delivering youth work sessions in very challenging circumstances.
Award sponsored by Metro Moneywise.
The Youth Service with Ciara Davies from Metro Moneywise (right) and interim chief executive Julie Murphy (left).
Proud to Make a Difference Award 2026
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 Trading Standards Team
The team's recent work clamping down on illegal ghost car number plates linked to organised crime has been nationally recognised and the team have seized over 94,000 fake products over the last year as well as tackling illegal dog breeders across the borough.
Award sponsored by Indurent.
The Trading Standards Team with Robert Richardson from Indurent (3rd from left) and interim chief executive Julie Murphy (third from right).
Employee of the Year 2026
This award is for the member of council staff who has done something special and deserves recognition. Quality work, consistently delivered.
Winner: Sarah Lageard
Sarah’s work in adult social care has transformed how services are shaped and delivered. She was credited with building inclusive empowering spaces, where individuals feel safe to share their experiences and shape the future of care.
Award sponsored by Cooney Civil Engineering.
Sarah Lageard (centre) with sponsor Lily Cooney from Cooney Civil Engineering (left) and interim chief executive Julie Murphy (right).
Passionate About Excellence Award 2026
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: The Number One Riverside reception team and the Financial Affairs Team
They were praised for their dedication, compassion and resilience, supporting vulnerable residents during very challenging circumstances.
Award sponsored by Willmott Dixon.
The Number One Riverside reception team and the Financial Affairs Team with Jaime Dawson from Willmott Dixob (left) and interim chief executive Julie Murphy (right).
ACE Outstanding Contribution 2026
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: The Culture and Placemaking team, and Mark Roberts
The Culture and Placemaking Team at Rochdale Development Agency and Mark Roberts led an extensive events programme during Rochdale’s hugely successful year as Greater Manchester Town of Culture 2025-26. Working with over 35 organisations, the team delivered over 100 events, attracting tens of thousands of visitors and making a significant economic impact. As lead communications officer for the year in the spotlight, Mark Roberts managed and delivered the year-long marketing campaign for the programme of events and activities, amplifying Rochdale’s reputation across the North-West as well as helping to attract record audiences.
Award sponsored by Channel 3 Consulting.
The Culture and Placemaking team with Mark Roberts (2nd left), Richard Heywood from sponsor Channel 3 Consulting (left) and interim chief executive Julie Murphy (right).