
2022 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 2022 ceremony was our 4th time hosting these awards.
Young Employee of the Year Award 2022
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: Bryony Walters
Award sponsored by JB Civils Limited

Award sponsored by JB Civils Limited Bryony Walters (centre) from Derby Street Sure Start Children’s Centre in Heywood won young employee of the year, presented by Jim Brandrett from JB Civils Limited (right) and Rochdale Borough Council chief executive Steve Rumbelow (left).
Inspiring Change Award 2022
This award celebrates staff who have identified innovative solutions to problems or that have put forward new ideas, helping us to change or improve for the better.
Winner: Sean Beech
Award sponsored by A & T Surfacing Limited

Housing project officer Sean Beech (centre) collected the Inspiring Change award, presented by Rebecca Cunnane (right) from sponsor A&T Surfacing, with Rochdale Borough Council chief executive Steve Rumbelow (left).
Team of the Year Award 2022
This award recognises outstanding achievements by amazing teams that have gone the extra mile for the council, the borough and its residents.
Winner: the Junction 19 team
Award sponsored by Your Trust

Steve Rumbelow (left), chief executive of Rochdale Borough Council with the Junction 19 team and Nathan Matley from sponsor Your Trust.
Community Action Award 2022
This award recognises employees that are making a difference. It's for those who use their creativity and energy to make a positive contribution in the community. The award recognises those that volunteer regularly or that have gone out of their way to do something for the benefit of others.
Winner: Nicola Gent
Award sponsored by Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis (CBRE) Limited

Community Action Award winner Nicola Gent (centre), with Giovanni Pilla (right) from sponsor Coldwell Banker Richard Ellis (CBRE) Limited and Steve Rumbelow, chief executive of Rochdale Borough Council.
Employee of the Year 2022
This award is for the member of council staff who has done something special and deserves recognition. Quality work, consistently delivered.
Winner: Neil Helliwell
Award sponsored by Cooney Civil Engineering

Rochdale Borough Council chief executive Steve Rumbelow (left) with Employee of the year Neil Helliwell (centre) and James Cooney (right) from award sponsor Cooney Civil Engineering.
Learner of the Year 2022
Finalists in this category have all undertaken learning and development to support them in fulfilling their potential and are helping us to build a strong workforce for the future.
Winner: Hasnain Aslam
Award sponsored by Rochdale Training

Learner of the Year Hasnain Aslam (centre), with Rochdale Borough Council chief executive Steve Rumbelow (left), presented with his award by Emma Costello (right) from Rochdale Training.
ACE Outstanding Contribution 2022
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: Aileen Bollard
Award sponsored by Arcadis

Aileen Bollard (left) was presented with her award by Julian Cobley (right) from Arcadis.