2024

The 2024 Rochdale Diversity Awards took place on 22^nd November 2024 at the Rochdale Town Hall, marking a significant celebration of equality, diversity, and inclusion in the borough. Over 300 guests attended including nominees, keynote speakers, guests of honour, and representatives from leading organisations in Rochdale. 

Hosted annually by KYP Since 2012, the awards recognise the outstanding contributions of individuals, organisations and employers who promote the best practices in making the borough a more inclusive and cohesive place to live and work in. The event was sponsored by Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, Hopwood Hall College, Your Trust, Rochdale Training, Rochdale Safer Communities Partnership and The Greater Manchester High Sheriff’s Police Trust. 

The finalists and guests were welcomed to the ceremony by Zulf Ahmed, CEO of KYP who said “Rochdale is a town with a rich and diverse history, culture, and identity. We have a strong tradition of social justice, democracy, and innovation.” He added, “I’m delighted to be here tonight to celebrate the achievements of individuals, groups, and organisations making a positive difference in equality, diversity, and cohesion in our borough.” 

The Mayor of Rochdale: Cllr Shakil Ahmed officially opened the event.  

Paul Waugh (MP for Rochdale), through a video message said “This evening is about celebrating those who take diversity a step forward. I am delighted that our borough celebrates diversity in all its forms: class, religion, race, gender, age, or disability. I would like to thank Zulf and KYP for their vision and dedication in organising these awards year after year. All of those nominated this evening are winners in my eyes, for you are the heart and soul of our borough.”  

In Parliament on the 21st of November, Paul Waugh referred to the Awards ceremony “The Rochdale Diversity Awards, now in their 12th year and run by the brilliant Kashmir Youth Project, are taking place this weekend. Will the Leader of the House congratulate all the nominees who promote not just the rich diversity of our town, but its community cohesion? The Leader of the House replied, “I am of course pleased to join him in congratulating all the nominees for the Diversity awards this year. He has put that on record, and I am sure that everyone will appreciate it.”   

A Special Recognition Award was presented to Sajjad Miah (Community Cohesion, Resilience and Integration Manager, Rochdale Borough Council), for leading community cohesion for the Council and working across sectors to ensure people receive the help they need at the right time.    

Zulf Ahmed expressed his gratitude to the judging panel for their time and dedication to ensuring a fair and transparent decision-making process. He acknowledged the challenging task of selecting a single winner from each category due to the record number of nominations received this year, highlighting the wide range of initiatives and good practice taking place in the borough.