The difference that Calderdale Council staff make to people’s lives was celebrated at the annual Our Stars awards.
The Council is one of the biggest employers in Calderdale and provides hundreds of services – from caring for children and adults and supporting people with housing, to running markets, boosting tourism and protecting the environment.
The Council’s employees are at the heart of the fundamental role it plays in the lives of communities across the borough.
The outstanding work of teams and individuals was recognised at the awards ceremony at Dean Clough, Halifax, on Thursday 6 November 2025.
Kind sponsorship from a range of local organisations fully funded the event.
The Council’s Chief Executive, Robin Tuddenham, opened and closed the event with thank you speeches, and awards were presented by the Mayor of Calderdale, the Leader of the Council, Cabinet Members and senior managers.
Cllr Jane Scullion, Calderdale Council’s Leader, said:
“Congratulations to all the award winners, and to everyone shortlisted. Their amazing work – and that of all our staff – touches the lives of everyone across the borough. Hearing the inspiring stories of how they’re helping to make Calderdale a better place for all makes me proud to work in local government.”
The full list of winners is below. Here are just some of them:
The Team of the Year award went to Family Hubs. Made up of staff from the Council’s Public Health team and other health and care partner organisations, Family Hubs are a place where families can go for support and advice to help them care for their babies and children and look after their own wellbeing. The team shows strong commitment to improving people’s lives and has been innovative in involving children, parents, carers and local community groups in delivering the hubs.
For the Chief Executive’s Award, Robin Tuddenham chose John Walker, Markets Manager. John has lived and breathed Calderdale markets for over 40 years. He is passionate about the success of all the borough’s markets, which have an excellent track record for national awards. John and his team make sure the markets are vibrant places where people want to shop, trade, eat and meet – contributing to the Council’s priority for thriving towns and places. John has recently played a significant part in delivering the investment in Calderdale markets to help boost visitor numbers and the economy.
Evangeline Whiteley, the Council’s Post-16 Client Support Officer, won the Outstanding Act of Kindness award for the life-changing impact she had on a young person’s life. The young person was feeling lost and confused when she decided to end her university course. With compassion, emotional support and expertise, Evangeline supported her through this difficult time, providing reassurance, building her confidence and giving practical advice such as how to apply for jobs. When the young person’s perfect role came up at the Council, she put Evangeline’s advice and her new-found confidence into practice, applied and got the job.
OUR STARS 2025 WINNERS
Improvement and Innovation: Michaela O’Sullivan – Neighbourhoods and Cohesion (award sponsored by Jamocha)
Team of the Year: The Family Hubs Delivery Team – Public Health (award sponsored by MAC Construction Consultants)
Inspirational Leader: Steve Martin – ICT and Digital (award sponsored by Grapevine Directories)
Transforming the Future: Laura Bramley – Economy, Housing and Investment (award sponsored by The MJ)
Reducing Inequalities – Community Health and Wellbeing: Mental Health Social Work Team – Adult Services and Wellbeing (award sponsored by Community Foundation for Calderdale)
Early Career – Colleague of the Year: Ashleigh Mills – Customer Access (award sponsored by Calderdale College)
Outstanding Act of Kindness: Evangeline Whiteley – Economy, Housing and Investment (award sponsored by Galliford Try)
Workplace Wellbeing: Robert Gaukroger – Economy, Housing and Investment (award sponsored by Sovereign Health Care)
Excellence in Diversity and Inclusion: Staff Disability Forum and SEND Youth Representatives – across-directorates network (award sponsored by Pick Everard)
Volunteer(s) of the Year: Contact Officers – across directorates (award sponsored by My Money Matters)
Town and Place Ambassador Award: Steve Crabtree – Economy, Housing and Investment (award sponsored by Esh Construction)
Climate Hero(es): Bina Mistry, Robert Gaukroger and the Iscal Team – Business and Skills (award sponsored by AHR)
The Leader’s Award: Amanda Venning – Member Learning and Development (award sponsored by Forbes Solicitors)
The Chief Executive’s Award: John Walker – CAFM and Markets (award sponsored by Turner and Townsend)