The hard work of Calderdale Council’s long serving staff has been recognised at a special ceremony.
Seven employees who reached the milestone of working for the Council for over 40 years attended the Long Service event.
The ceremony was hosted by the Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Ann Kingstone, and attended by the Council’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Scott Patient; the Council’s Chief Executive, Robin Tuddenham; as well as Directors from the service areas of those receiving the accolade.
The Mayor of Calderdale, Cllr Ann Kingstone, said:
“It was a real privilege to meet and congratulate the members of staff receiving recognition for over 40 years of service at the Council.
“Their commitment to the Council and the people of Calderdale is an inspiration. It was fascinating to hear their individual stories and how their careers have developed, giving a glimpse into their lives and the history of council services.”
Robin Tuddenham, Calderdale Council’s Chief Executive, said:
“I was honoured to be at the Council’s Long Service ceremony, along with the Mayor of Calderdale, celebrating seven of our colleagues who have each worked here for 40 years.
“The event was an opportunity to recognise outstanding commitment to public service and contribution to Calderdale. It demonstrated the dedication shown by all the colleagues receiving their long service award and a reminder of the huge amount of talent in our workforce.”
The staff who attended the ceremony are:
Jackie Addison, Head of HR and OD, Resources and Transformation
Jackie began working for the Council in November 1984, managing the receptionists at North Bridge Leisure Centre. Jackie was seconded to Wellesley Park to manage the payroll function for the sports and leisure operation which then expanded to cover HR administration and recruitment.
As the Council’s HR function was centralised Jackie was successfully appointed to the Employment Relations Manager post, providing high level advice and guidance on a range of ‘personnel’ related issues.
Jackie has been in her current role, Head of HR and OD since February 2018 and is a great leader and source of inspiration for her team.
Joanne Ambler, Business Support Officer, Children and Young People’s Service
Joanne began working for the Council in October 1984 working with older people as a Care Assistant before being promoted to Assistant Officer at Mytholm Hall. She then moved into management roles and in 1997, Joanne changed careers and became an Assistant Accounts Clerk. In 2012, Joanne was appointed to Senior Business Support Officer in Children and Young People’s Service and in 2014 moved into the Children’s Assessment Team (CAT)/Multi Agency Safeguarding Team (MAST) which is the post Joanne holds today
Linda Brearley, Support and Independence Assistant, Adult Services and Wellbeing
Linda started working for Calderdale Council in January 1985 as a Home Help working out of the Brighouse Area Office. Over the years, Linda has received many compliments from families who she has cared for in their own home and who have appreciated the daily visits that she made.
In 2009, Linda became a Reablement Support Assistant and then a Support and Independence Assistant – Lower Valley which is the post she holds today.
Michelle Copeland, Residential Support Worker, Adult Services and Wellbeing
Michelle started working for the Council in November 1983 at Thornhill Grange home for Older People, although she had started there in 1982 on the Youth Training Scheme.
In 1994, Michelle worked with people with complex needs and learning disabilities and then started with the Independent Living Scheme which was set up in Brighouse in 1996.
In 2003, Michelle joined the Union Housing Scheme, a residential service for people with long term mental health problems, which is where she is today.
Ian Fenwick, Senior Bereavement Services Officer, Public Services
Ian started at the Council in 1984 as a Pool Attendant at Halifax Pool.
In May 1987, Ian moved to the Cemeteries Department as a Grave Digger and in September 2004 became a Cemeteries Supervisor which is the post Ian still holds today, looking after a team of five Bereavement Services Officers.
Ian is responsible for ensuring the correct grave is dug and used when the interment takes place at the arranged time and date. Ian also ensures that the Council’s cemeteries are kept up to standard and for the provision of out of hours burial services on a 24/7 basis.
Nick Hartley, Sport and Active Leisure Manager, Public Services
Nick started at the Council in April 1984 as a Sports Assistant and a Gym Instructor at North Bridge Leisure Centre.
In 1986, Nick took on the role of Assistant Duty Manager at the North Bridge Leisure Centre, and by 1991, he had advanced to Duty Manager then moved to the old Sowerby Bridge and Elland pools.
In 2007, Nick took on the role of managing Todmorden Leisure Centre, where he has remained ever since. Nick was also part of the team that assisted in the design of the new Sowerby Bridge and Brighouse Pool and Nick played a huge part in the successful launch of the facilities in 2010.
Fiona Smith, Social Care Advisor, Adult Services and Wellbeing
Fiona started at the Council in December 1983 as a Clerk/Typist supporting a small team of social workers in Mixenden. In September 1985, Fiona transferred to the Halifax office and then in April 2000, Fiona successfully applied to become an Administrative Assistant (Operational Support). In September 2004, Fiona became a Peripatetic Customer Services Advisor in the Health & Social Care Directorate, and in 2011 became a Social Care Advisor in the Gateway to Care Service which is where she is today.
ENDS