Celebrating the people and organisations creating a more inclusive Rochdale
KYP is inviting residents, community groups, businesses and public sector organisations to nominate the individuals and organisations making an outstanding contribution to equality, diversity and inclusion across the borough.
Nominations for the Rochdale Diversity Awards 2026 are now open and must be submitted by Friday 18 September 2026.
Now in their fourteenth year, the awards have been delivered by KYP since their launch in 2012, recognising those who break down barriers, create opportunities and help people and communities thrive. Celebrating achievements across communities, workplaces, education, health and public services, the awards showcase the positive impact of equality, diversity and inclusion across Rochdale.
This year’s Rochdale Diversity Awards have been made possible thanks to the generous support of KYP’s partners: Action Together, Altus Education Partnership, For Generations to Come, Greater Manchester High Sheriff’s Police Trust, Harvest Touch Youth & Skill Community Hub, Hopwood Hall College, Ingeus, Rochdale Borough Council, Rochdale Boroughwide Housing, Rochdale Development Agency, and Your Trust.
Why Nominate?
Every day, individuals, community groups and organisations across Rochdale make a real difference by tackling inequality, breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for people from all backgrounds.
The Rochdale Diversity Awards celebrate these champions of inclusion and recognise the positive impact they have across our communities. We welcome nominations for people and organisations supporting those who experience inequality, discrimination or exclusion because of age, disability, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership, or other forms of disadvantage and marginalisation.
By submitting a nomination, you can recognise outstanding dedication, share inspiring stories and help celebrate those making Rochdale a fairer, more inclusive borough. If someone has made a difference, now is the time to nominate them.
Award Categories 2026
Cohesion Award – For making a significant impact in nurturing inclusive, diverse and cohesive communities. This award recognises an individual, group or organisation from the public, private or VCSFE sectors whose work has brought people together, promoted inclusion and strengthened community cohesion.
Workforce Diversity Award – For championing inclusive employment practices. This award recognises organisations that have embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into their workplace culture.
Diversity in Education or Apprenticeships Award – For advancing inclusive education and skills development. This award recognises schools, colleges, training providers and employers that have created inclusive learning environments, embedded equality, diversity and inclusion into education or training, and expanded opportunities for underrepresented groups.
Diversity in Health Award – For improving health outcomes through inclusive practices. This award recognises individuals and organisations that have delivered accessible, culturally responsive services, tackled health inequalities and improved outcomes for disadvantaged communities.
Diversity in Public Sector Partnership Working Award – For advancing inclusion through partnership. This award recognises public sector organisations that have worked collaboratively to develop inclusive services, engage underrepresented communities and deliver projects that promote equality and community cohesion.
Breaking Barriers Award – For removing barriers to inclusion and access. This award recognises organisations that have designed inclusive, community-informed services, tackled barriers for marginalised groups, and developed innovative ways to reach and support diverse communities.
Diversity in the Community, Voluntary & Faith Sector Award – For leadership and dedication to promoting diversity and community cohesion. This award recognises VCSFE organisations that support underrepresented communities, strengthen social cohesion and resilience, and deliver inclusive grassroots services and advocacy.
Outstanding Achievement in Diversity – For exceptional commitment to equality and inclusion. This award recognises an individual who champions underrepresented groups, inspires others through leadership or advocacy, and has made a lasting impact on EDI across the borough.
How to Nominate
Recognising someone who is making a difference couldn’t be easier.
- Visit the KYP website to access the nomination form and guidance: www.kyp.org.uk/rda-guidance
- Complete the nomination form, telling us about your nominee and the impact they have made.
- Submit your nomination by 18 September 2026.
Every nomination will be carefully considered by an independent panel of judges, with winners announced at the Rochdale Diversity Awards Ceremony on Friday 23 October 2026 at Rochdale Town Hall.
Don’t miss the opportunity to celebrate the people and organisations helping to make Rochdale a more inclusive, welcoming and equitable borough. Your nomination could give a deserving individual or organisation the recognition they truly deserve—and inspire others to continue making a positive difference in our communities.
