Rochdale Diversity Awards 2025
Recognising the Diversity Champions of Our Borough
Do you know someone who’s breaking barriers, building bridges, or creating a more inclusive Rochdale?
Nominations are now open for the Rochdale Diversity Awards 2025 — a celebration of the individuals, organisations, and community groups who are making a real difference in people’s lives.
What Are the Rochdale Diversity Awards?
Since 2012, the Rochdale Diversity Awards have recognised those who go above and beyond to promote equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) in our borough. Proudly managed by KYP, the awards shine a spotlight on the everyday heroes — from grassroots volunteers to inclusive employers — who are helping to shape a fairer, more connected society.
These awards aim to:
- Celebrate bold leadership and everyday acts of inclusion
- Recognise innovation and impact across all sectors
- Showcase how diversity strengthens our communities and economy
Why It Matters?
In a world that’s constantly changing, the need for compassion, fairness, and unity has never been greater. The Rochdale Diversity Awards honour those who are creating opportunities, challenging inequalities and ensuring no one is left behind.
We welcome nominations that reflect the full richness of our borough — especially those supporting people who face barriers due to:
- Age, disability, race, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation
- Socioeconomic disadvantage, refugee/asylum status, homelessness, addiction
- Or any other form of exclusion or underrepresentation
Let’s celebrate the people and organisations who are lighting the way forward. Nominate someone today — and help us tell the stories that inspire change.
2025 Rochdale Diversity Awards Categories
We invite nominations for individuals, groups, or organisations who have made a meaningful and lasting contribution to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) across the Borough of Rochdale. Nominees should demonstrate excellence in one or more of the following categories:
Cohesion Award
For significant impact in nurturing inclusive and diverse communities.
This award recognises an individual, group, or organisation (from the public, private, or VCSFE sectors) that has significantly contributed to promoting community cohesion. Nominees should demonstrate:
- Initiatives that foster mutual respect, understanding and collaboration
- Engagement across diverse communities to reduce division or isolation
- Evidence of positive impact on social integration and community relationships
Workforce Diversity Award
For organisations championing inclusive employment practices.
This award celebrates organisations that have embedded EDI into their workplace culture. Nominees should demonstrate:
- Recruitment, progression, and retention strategies for underrepresented groups
- Inclusive leadership and staff development initiatives
- A workforce that reflects the diversity of the local community or customer base
Education or Apprenticeships Award
For inclusive education and skills development initiatives.
This award recognises schools, colleges, training providers, or employers who have:
- Embedded diversity and inclusion into their curriculum or training programmes
- Increased access to apprenticeships or education for underrepresented groups
- Created inclusive learning environments that support all learners to succeed
Diversity in Health Award
For improving health outcomes through inclusive practices.
This award honours individuals or organisations (in the public, health, or VCSFE sectors) that have:
- Delivered culturally competent and accessible health services
- Addressed health inequalities affecting disadvantaged communities
- Demonstrated measurable improvements in health engagement or outcomes
Diversity in Public Sector Partnership Working Award
For collaborative efforts to advance inclusion in public services.
This award recognises public sector organisations that have:
- Developed inclusive policies or services through effective partnerships
- Engaged meaningfully with underrepresented communities
- Delivered impactful projects that promote equality and cohesion
Breaking Barriers Award
For removing obstacles to inclusion and access.
This award celebrates organisations that have:
- Identified and addressed barriers to service access for marginalised groups
- Designed inclusive, culturally sensitive, and community-informed services
- Demonstrated innovation in reaching and supporting diverse populations
Community, Voluntary & Faith Sector Award
For leadership and dedication to promoting diversity and cohesion.
This award highlights the vital role of the VCSFE sector in:
- Supporting vulnerable or underrepresented communities
- Promoting social cohesion and community resilience
- Delivering inclusive services and advocacy at the grassroots level
Outstanding Achievement in Diversity
For exceptional individual commitment to equality and inclusion.
This award recognises an individual who has gone above and beyond to:
- Champion the rights and aspirations of disadvantaged or underrepresented groups
- Inspire others through leadership, advocacy, or lived experience
- Make a lasting impact on EDI within the borough
Rochdale Diversity Awards 2025 – Judging Criteria
To ensure a fair and transparent process, all nominations—whether for individuals, groups, or organisations—will be assessed by an independent judging panel using the following criteria. Applicants are encouraged to clearly demonstrate how their work meets these standards.
1. Impact
What tangible difference has the nominee made in promoting equality, diversity, inclusion, or cohesion?
How have their actions positively affected individuals, communities, or systems?
Is there evidence of sustained or wide-reaching impact?
2. Innovation & Creativity
Has the nominee introduced new or creative approaches to address challenges or barriers?
Have they gone beyond conventional methods to engage or support underrepresented groups?
Are their ideas or practices adaptable or inspirational to others?
3. Inclusion & Accessibility
How has the nominee ensured their work is inclusive and accessible to all?
Have they actively removed barriers to participation, access, or opportunity?
Have they engaged with diverse communities in a meaningful and respectful way?
4. Leadership & Influence
Has the nominee demonstrated leadership in advancing diversity and inclusion?
Have they inspired others to take action, change attitudes, or adopt inclusive practices?
Do they act as a role model or catalyst for change within their community, sector, or organisation?
5. Relevance to Award Category
Does the nomination clearly align with the specific award category?
Are the achievements relevant to the aims and values of the category?
Is the nomination well-structured, clearly presented, and supported by evidence?
Tips for a Strong Nomination
- Use clear, concise language and avoid jargon.
- Provide specific examples and evidence of achievements.
- Include testimonials, data, or outcomes where possible.
- Highlight how the nominee’s work goes above and beyond expectations.
Nomination forms must reach KYP, Unique Enterprise Centre, Belfield Road, Rochdale, OL16 2UP by post or email no later than Friday 19th September 2025.
The award ceremony for the 2025 Awards will be held on Friday 24th October 2025 at Rochdale Town hall .
If you require further information or clarification about the Awards, then please e-mail.
Zulf Ahmed on [email protected] or call 01706 630140.