2012

The inaugural Rochdale Diversity Awards, held at KYP’s Unity House Centre on Friday, May 18, 2012, were a resounding success, celebrating individuals and organisations making exceptional contributions to equality, diversity, and cohesion within the Borough. The event drew a diverse audience, including members of the community, senior public sector officials, and distinguished guests.

The Rochdale Diversity Awards ceremony highlighted the remarkable efforts of those supporting and advancing equality, diversity, and cohesion in the borough. These awards also served as a catalyst, encouraging service providers to prioritise these values amidst the challenges posed by austerity measures.

In an inaugural act as Mayor of Rochdale, Councillor James Gartside inaugurated the awards ceremony, commending both the finalists and KYP for launching this initiative. Council Leader Councillor Colin Lambert reinforced the community’s unity, saying, “Rochdale is a borough with a proud heritage, and we Rochdalians are a family, one team, one borough, and one community, together we are a community.”

Zulf Ali, Chair of KYP, emphasised the significance of workplace diversity in the current economic climate. He underscored the value of harnessing the skills and experiences of individuals from various backgrounds to effect positive change, promoting local capacity, skills development, and economic growth.

Councillor Sultan Ali, portfolio lead for Strengthening Communities, stressed the importance of community cohesion amidst global, national, and local challenges. He acknowledged the transformative impact of the awards in highlighting good practices and innovative service delivery within the town.

Mohammed Habeebullah, an OBE recipient and a KYP founding member, urged the involvement of senior-level officers as local role models and influencers within the BAME (Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic) community. He emphasized the necessity of challenging and influencing mainstream strategies and policies from within the system.

Jim Taylor, Chief Executive at Rochdale Council, expressed his delight in being part of the diverse community and praised the spirit of Rochdale reflected in the room.

Award Winners:

Cohesion Award: There were four winners in this category:
– Dr. Abdul Shakoor
– New Shamwari Project and The Friends of Shamwari
– Rochdale MBC Youth Service
– Syke Community Base

Workforce Diversity Award: Great Places Housing Group

Housing Award: Khubsurat House, St. Vincent’s Housing Association

Health Award: Rochdale and District MIND

Apprenticeship Award: Rochdale Training Association

Outstanding Achiever Award: Joyce Osadolor (Hopwood Hall College Student)

Young Community Achiever Award: Hassan Javed Akhtar

Mentor Award: Zulfiqar Ali (Chairperson – KYP)

Volunteering Award: Mohammed Sheraz (RMBC Youth Worker)

Female Minority Ethnic Achiever Award: Salma Chaudri (Scheme Manager, Khubsurat House) and Rabeah Wahid (Physical Activity Instructor)

The Rochdale Diversity Awards were made possible through sponsorship from Rochdale MBC, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, Hopwood Hall College, Great Places House Group, A&B Carpets, and Arif Cash & Carry.