Awards and recognition

Awards and recognition in 2022

These are some of the awards we won in 2022.

Britain in Bloom Awards

We've scooped a top award at the biggest and most prestigious horticultural competition in the country, the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Britain in Bloom.

Rochdale was chosen to represent the North West in the 'small city' category for the second time in the national finals.

We achieved a Gold award and overall category winner with our partners, Rochdale in Bloom, local businesses and volunteers. We beat big hitters including Bath, Canterbury and Burton.

The RHS judges were impressed with the stunning presentation across Rochdale. They saw a snapshot of features across the town including the memorial gardens, Denehurst Park, and floral displays bursting with colour outside Number One Riverside.


Sitemorse Q4 2022 Local Government INDEX

The council's website came 4th in the Sitemorse Local Government INDEX for the fourth quarter in 2022.

The INDEX ranks local government websites across the whole UK for areas including performance, compliance, accessibility and quality. This demonstrates our commitment to making our website accessible to all.


North West in Bloom 2022

We and our partner organisations were awarded an incredible 20 gold awards, including:

  • Best small cities – Rochdale In Bloom and Middleton In Bloom
  • Best large towns – Heywood In Bloom
  • Best town centres – Rochdale, Heywood and Middleton
  • Large commercial – Heywood Distribution Centre
  • Large parks – Queen's Park, Heywood and Denehurst Park, Rochdale
  • Large village – Norden in Bloom
  • Pocket park – Norden Jubilee Park, Rochdale
  • Small park – Jubilee Park, Middleton and Hopwood Park, Heywood
  • Best small tourist attraction – Healey Dell Heritage Centre and Tea Rooms
  • Best urban community – Spotland and Falinge
  • Best mosque – Jamia Masjid Bilal
  • Best hospice – Springhill Hospice

North West In Bloom


Sitemorse Q3 2022 Local Government INDEX

The council's website came 1st in the Sitemorse Local Government INDEX for the third quarter in 2022.

The INDEX ranks local government websites across the whole UK for areas including performance, compliance, accessibility and quality. This demonstrates our commitment to making our website accessible to all.


Green Flag Awards

All 10 parks managed and maintained by the council across the borough of Rochdale have achieved a well-deserved Green Flag Award once again for 2021–2022.

This international award recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces. It's a sign to the public that the space boasts the highest possible environmental standards, is kept beautifully maintained and has excellent visitor facilities.


Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award

The council was awarded the ERS Gold Award for its outstanding support to the armed forces community. The council achieved the award after demonstrating its supportive policies for veterans, reserves, Cadet Force adult volunteers, and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.


Internet Crystal Mark 2022

The council's website achieved the Internet Crystal Mark for the ninth consecutive year. This award demonstrates our commitment to plain English throughout the web​site.


Geoplace Exemplar Awards 2022

Rochdale Borough Council has made the biggest improvement across Street Data to achieve the Data Quality and Improvement Award.


North West Energy Efficiency Awards 2022

The council won the North West Energy Efficiency Award 2022 for Local Authority Body of the Year.

The Regional or Local Authority Body of the Year Award rewards one exceptional council, in each of the 11 regional areas around the UK, that has shown a true commitment to promoting energy efficiency within their region. This award recognises the efforts of that council and rewards them for their service to their local community.


Sitemorse Q2 2022 Local Government INDEX

The council's website came 9th in the Sitemorse UK Local Government INDEX for the second quarter in 2022.

The INDEX ranks local government websites across the whole UK for areas including performance, compliance, accessibility and quality. This demonstrates our commitment to making our website accessible to all.


Sitemorse Q1 2022 Local Government INDEX

The council's website came 8th in the Sitemorse UK Local Government INDEX for the first quarter in 2022.

The INDEX ranks local government websites across the whole UK for areas including performance, compliance, accessibility and quality. This demonstrates our commitment to making our website accessible to all.