NBPA 2024 Conference Brochure by Natasha Russell

15 – 17 October 2024

Raddison Blu, Stansted Airport, Essex

Policing Reform

The need for a service we can all be proud of

Hosted by

If you wish to post about the conference, please do so using hashtag #NBPAConference2024

Please be mindful of sharing any photos of police staff or officers on social media and seek permission before you do so.

WIFI NETWORK

Radisson Blu Free Wifi - please search for this network and follow registration instructions.

Delegates are asked to follow guidance from their force when connecting to public networks. (Ensure you have a secure VPN enabled).

INTERACTIVITY AND QUESTIONS

Please join the conversation/Q&A today by using slido. You can join using the QR code, or going to slido.com and entering code NBPA24

PRAYER ROOMS AND QUIET SPACE

Prayer Rooms and Quiet Spaces are available for those who require, and have washing facilities nearby. These can be accessed from the main room (Essex Suite). Signposts on site will show location but please ask any of the team for directions.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS

Dietary requirements as provided to the organising team have been catered for. All meat served is Halal.

If you have any concerns or queries please approach a member of the event team or venue catering team.

ANDY GEORGE

PRESIDENT, NATIONAL BLACK POLICE ASSOCIATION

It is my pleasure to welcome you to the National Black Police Association’s 2024 conference, kindly hosted by Essex Police and Essex Police’s Minority Ethnic Support Association.

Our conference is unique to policing and plays a pivotal role in the wellbeing of Cabinet, local Chairs and Executive Committees as well as policing and our wider membership. It offers a unique opportunity to defuse, decompress and re-energise for the return to local police services to carry on the struggle to make policing more fair and equitable for all.

It has been reassuring to see our membership grow by more than 25% over the last few years and conference has now grown to be one of the largest in policing, with over 370 attendees last year. But despite these promising signs, we have seen a number of challenges over the last 18-24 months which culminated in the public disorder we witnessed over the summer. The rise of the far right and attacks on initiatives designed to making policing more representative and more effective at keeping all communities safe has had a profound impact on our members both on and off duty.

We do not stop being members of the community just because we put on a uniform and policing has to better understand the issues impacting our membership and communities we come from. Fairness, equality and justice should be the fabric of any professional police service but we have seen a recent push on

framing anti-racism and other fights against discrimination as political or contentious matters.

The National Black Police Association has been doing the same work for over 25 years and the activities I undertake as President has not changed since 1998. If policing ever seeks to become truly anti-racist and trusted by Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic communities then our challenge to make policing better must be embraced rather than attacked.

We are the barometer of how inclusive the culture within policing is and it is a sad indictment that we feel policing has regressed to levels not seen since The Stephen Lawrence Inquiry. Regardless of the pressure applied to our association, we will continue the important work we do and lean in to the support we have from our community and civil society partners. Our ethos of “One voice, Strength in Unity” has never been more needed and I encourage all Executives to embrace the strength our association brings to each and every one of you.

I hope you enjoy engaging with each other over the next few days and leave you with the words of Martin Luther King Jr “ We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”

BJ HARRINGTON QPM

CHIEF CONSTABLE

It’s my privilege to welcome the National Black Police Association Conference to Essex.

I want to thank all of you for your work advocating for greater representation, equality, and support for our officers, police staff and volunteers from Black and minority ethnic backgrounds. Your voice – all voices – must be heard if we are to police with the consent of all communities.

The theme of this year’s conference, “Policing Reform: A Service We Can All Be Proud Of”, is both timely and essential. It invites us to reflect, which is relatively simple. But it also invites us to act; not only when we are together at events like this, but when we are patrolling, preventing crime, investigating and working with our communities to make our cities, villages, our roads, ports and airports safer. I am proud that we have been active in Essex with the public and with people in the Force and we have all seen the benefit.

I know how hard this can be and I wonder how much greater the 24/7 policing challenge is for our colleagues and partners from under-represented communities. I urge every conference delegate to use these precious hours and days not to re-state these difficulties but to set out simple, effective ways to bring policing closer to the people we serve. Don’t talk about it, do it and together we can make a difference.

We can always do better and build on what we have done. We must ensure that everyone feels valued and respected, encouraged and promoted, part of the team and part of our society.

In recent months, our country has witnessed disorder and division. Yet again, we have seen crime and hatred masquerading as protest. We have seen people with malign intent attempt to divide us – I am pleased to say they have failed. That was no accident. It was because policing recognises that it is part of the society it serves and a commitment from communities to work with us. It is clear there is more that unites us than divides us.

Policing reform is not just about addressing today’s emergency. It is not simply a process. It is a promise about fundamentally rethinking how we operate as a public service. Building upon what works and working together to solve problems where it doesn’t. That’s why this conference is not just a conversation, but a commitment to build a service where everyone, regardless of who they are, can succeed to build upon the proud tradition of policing with consent. That requires courage, honesty and a willingness to confront uncomfortable truths as well as celebrating our successes.

It is work that we must do, together and I am pleased this conference will show we can.

ROGER HIRST

POLICE, FIRE AND CRIME COMMISSIONER FOR ESSEX

I’m delighted and proud to welcome so many members of The National Black Policing Association to Essex for this year’s conference.

Since I was first elected as Police and Crime Commissioner in 2016, I have worked hard with the Chief Constable to create a supportive, positive culture in Essex Police. This work was extended to Essex County Fire & Rescue Service when I took on governance of the fire and rescue service in 2017, becoming one of only four Police, Fire and Crime Commissioners in the UK.

A supportive, positive culture means having a force which all of our communities can be proud of, that represents those it serves and has an inclusive recruitment and development strategy so that people from all segments of our society can have the confidence to serve and where they are supported to succeed.

All local residents and businesses should feel safe speaking to the police about any issues but they are only likely to do so if they see themselves in that force. It is therefore vitally important that the police reflect the people they serve, building trust and inspiring confidence to create safe, secure communities, the bedrock on which we build well-being and prosperity for all.

Together with the Chief Constable of Essex Police we have created, and continue to implement, a strong, ambitious diversity, equality and inclusion strategy. We have nurtured

participation and involvement from the community with people from all backgrounds encouraged to join our Independent Advisory Groups to help guide the way we work.

This inclusiveness has underpinned our strategy of collaboration and data-driven targeted intervention to drive down crime, a strategy which is working. In the 12 months to the end of July 2024 all crime in Essex fell by 5.7 per cent. Since 2016 incidents of anti-social behaviour (ASB) are down 71.3 per cent, homicide is down 55 per cent and dwelling burglary is down 43 per cent.

In Essex we place great importance on the concept of policing by consent and our communities and our police force work together for the good of all. We know that the best way to maintain an effective, forwardthinking workforce is to continue to represent the diversity of our county, making use of the insight and knowledge this can bring.

That is why improving inclusivity and diversity in Essex Police is a key target for myself and the Chief Constable.

The National Black Police Association Conference is a wonderful opportunity to meet, talk and collaborate, so do stop me for a chat. I’m very much looking forward to this event and I hope your visit to Essex is memorable, enjoyable and rewarding.

WELCOME EVENT

Simon Miah, MESA and NBPA Sponsorship Lead

Simone Orefuwa, Vice President of the NBPA Chief Constable of Essex – BJ Harrington QPM

ENTERTAINMENT

U-turnships

U-turnships CIC is a social enterprise working with disadvantaged young people who have been marginalised by mainstream education. We provide mentorship by encouraging creative and artistic aspirations with the young people we work with, whilst also providing opportunities for diverse communities.

We focus on encouraging vocational studies such as our Arts award qualifications that can potentially lead to UCAS points, which include subjects such as photography, videography, music recording, podcasting and festival production. Additionally we support young people with employability, and positive life skills- leading to us forming referral pathways with the Thurrock youth offending team and Essex Police.

Last year we held our very first Afro Food Fest Thurrock in Grays Town Park with over 1000 people in attendance, and this year we successfully held our second festival in the same location where approximately 2,500 people attended the event.

Originally from London, we realised after almost 10 years of living in Thurrock and working in the community that there weren’t any events that represented us and the community we work with. For that reason we decided to create our own event whereby we could celebrate Afro-Caribbean food, music, and culture whilst also providing a platform for our young people to showcase their talents.

FULL DAY 1

08:00 REGISTRATION OPENS 09:00 Welcome to the NBPA Conference 2024 Clive Myrie 09:05 Welcome messages Andy George, President NBPA 09:15

messages Chief Constable of Essex – BJ Harrington QPM

GALA DINNER

AGENDA IN FULL DAY 2

09:45

Workshop 1 Choice of:

1. Voyage Youth – this workshop will chart the journey of Voyage Youth which is a charity focussed on empowering young people, formed by the Met BPA. Voyage Youth CEO Paul Anderson will enlighten the audience on how Voyage Youth is working to empower young people to be the best they can and support others in their community. He will be accompanied by some of the current cohort of young people working with Voyage Youth who will tell the attendees what they would like to see from Black officers.

2. Spirit of London Foundation – Gary Trowsdale is a long time advocate for youth services who has been working on amplifying the voice of young people across the UK. He will discuss some of the work he is currently engaged with a particular focus on the Hope Collective. The Hope Collective is a coalition of youth organisations who create opportunities for young people to overcome poverty, inequality and lack of opportunity. The Hope Collective was borne out of the Damilola Taylor Trust and is based on an essay Damilola wrote before his tragic murder, outlining his hopes for the future.

3. Race in the NHS – Bren McInerney is part of the NHS Race and Health Observatory Stakeholder group and will discuss the work the NHS is developing to make the health service anti-racist. This workshop will be an opportunity for delegates to hear from other sectors on what they are doing and how that might be transferred to policing.

4. Criminal Justice Alliance and Equal Justice – Mark Blake from Criminal Justice Alliance recently completed an investigation in to disproportionality within police misconduct. In this workshop he will outline the findings of their research and share some stories of people he interviewed as part of the process. He is joined by Lawrence Davies from Equal Justice who will take attendees on a deep dive on why race discrimination is so hard to prove and what members can do to better present their evidence and protect themselves.

5. Women of Colour in Policing – Coretta Hine was a NBPA Cabinet member before her retirement from Kent Police as a Chief Superintendent. She is now working as a consultant helping individuals and businesses bring out the best of themselves and their employees. She is joined by Amina Ahmed who recently left the Met Police after she went viral on Linkedin over a post she made about the conflict in Israel and Palestine. Together they will outline their own journeys on how they dealt with the intersection of race and gender in their police careers. They will also provide tips for attendees to overcome some barriers to thrive in policing.

6. Voyage Youth -

7. Spirit of London Foundation and TheProspect Panther - Gary Trowsdale and Tyrell Davis-Douglas

8. Race in the NHS - Bren McInerney

9. Criminal Justice Alliance and Equal Justice - Mark Blake, Lawrence Davies

10. Women of Colour in Policing - Amina Ahmed, Coretta Hine

WELCOME & HOSTS

Clive Myrie

Clive Myrie is an award-winning journalist, writer and film maker; and one of the BBC’s most experienced foreign correspondents, having served as the BBC’s Asia, Africa, Washington and Europe Correspondent. He makes features and programmes for ‘Panorama’, ‘Newsnight’ and BBC Radio 4 and is a regular presenter of the One, Six and Ten 0’Clock News bulletins on BBC One, and of news shows on the BBC News Channel. In 2018, he was part of the BBC News team that received a Royal Television Society Award for Best Foreign Coverage for its reporting in Yemen.

Clive Myrie was born in Bolton, Lancashire and studied law at the University of Sussex.

Farhan Hayat

Farhan Hayat is a Diversity and Inclusion Manager at Surrey Police and also serves as Chair of the Surrey Police Association of Culture & Ethnicity (SPACE). After graduating from university, Farhan discovered his interest in diversity and inclusion and has built his career in this field ensuring fairness and equity for people both within policing and out in the communities. Farhan has led on delivering positive action in Surrey Police for the last 7 years supporting both officers and staff achieve their full potential through mentoring programmes and reviews of promotion processes as well as guiding those from diverse backgrounds into policing careers.

Since joining policing in 2013, Farhan has been a passionate advocate for race equality, ensuring that the voices of diverse communities are heard both within Surrey Police throughout UK policing. His dedication to inclusion was further recognized when he was elected to the cabinet of the National Black Police Association in October 2023, where he now serves as the Events Coordinator.

Farhan is honoured to be hosting part of this year’s National Black Police Association Conference. His commitment to the NBPA’s objectives, which advocate for dignity and respect for Black, Asian, and Minority Ethnic colleagues and communities, continues to drive his work in promoting equality and inclusion across policing.

MEET THE SPEAKERS

Abid Hussain

I joined Nottinghamshire Police in 2004. Having graduated from Pakistan, I joined Notts Police as an apprentice. In my 20 years in policing career as a Police Staff Member, I have worked in various departments (Resourcing, Employee Relations, Case Management, EDI, Occupational Health, Change Management and HR Operations). My current full time role is People Services Coordinator. During my various role I also studied undergraduate degree in HRM and Level 5 in CIPD.

I have been involved with the BPA since 2013 as an Executive Member and held roles of General Secretary and Vice BPA Chair. In 2023 I was elected as BPA Chair.

My role as the BPA Chair is work towards the understanding of racial differences, to promote equality of opportunity, diversity, inclusion and to encourage good relations within Nottinghamshire Police and the local communities.

I am working on a new plan with my Executive Team to provide a strategic foundation for the BPA using our previous experience as a starting point.

Akiko Hart

Akiko Hart is the Director of Liberty. She is also a Trustee of Pro Bono Economics, a Non Executive Director of the Centre for Knowledge Equity, and a Professor in Practice at the Institute for Medical Humanities at the University of Durham. Her work has spanned human rights, mental health, disability and racial justice. Previous roles include CEO of the National Survivor User Network and Director of Mental Health Europe. Her most recent work has involved working alongside grassroots groups and to help shift power and resource towards communities and lived experience led work.

She has also led an innovative and award-winning programme of work working alongside people who hear voices in the community, in-patient settings, prisons, forensic secure units, Immigration Removal Centres and youth services.

Alison Lowe

Alison Lowe is the Deputy Mayor for Police and Crime in West Yorkshire. She started her role in July 2021 and was appointed by the new Metro Mayor, Tracy Brabin, because of her extensive voluntary sector, political and policing experience over a 30+ year period. Alison worked in the Third Sector for more than 30 years, most recently as Chief Executive of Touchstone, a Mental Health Charity working across West Yorkshire. Touchstone work with and for people that are affected by mental health problems, and they specialise in working with people from different cultural backgrounds. Touchstone have received multiple awards for their work in inclusion and diversity, including the number 1 spot in the 2016, 2017 and 2018 UK Top 50 Most Inclusive Employers Award. They have been a Stonewall Top 100 LGBT- Friendly Employer since 2014 and are again a 3 Star Extraordinary Sunday Times Best Company to work for in 2021. Additionally, Touchstone were judged to be Investors in People Platinum once again at their latest reassessment (July 2021). Alison has been involved in local government for 29 years and was a councillor with the Labour Party. Alison was also the Chair of the Police and Crime Panel, the body that scrutinises the performance of the Police and Crime Commissioner and represents the interests of all the 2.3 million people across West Yorkshire. Alison was the Deputy Lord Mayor of Leeds in 2003-4 and was made an Honorary Alderwoman of the city in 2020. In this role, Alison was asked to review Leeds statues following the BLM protests. Alison is a Non-Executive Director with Leeds Community Health NHS Trust. Over the years, Alison has been a well-known campaigner on equal rights and chaired the Leeds Domestic Violence Forum that raises awareness of domestic violence against women and children by known men for over 25 years. Alison Lowe holds an MA in Medieval Studies from Leeds University and a BA in History and was given an Honorary Doctor of Laws in 2022. She was also awarded an OBE in the January 2022 Queen’s Honours List. Alison has 2 grown up children, Adam and Rosy and grandchildren Mae and Oscar.

Amina Ahmed

Amina has dedicated her professional life to driving a positive impact within Policing and the Private Security Industry. Amina’s focus is on improving organisational culture, addressing disparities, and advocating for the advancement of ethnic minorities and women. With a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology from City University of London, Amina served

in the Met Police for over 15 years. During her career, she excelled as a senior analyst in London’s Counter Terrorism Policing Command, providing intelligence, investigations, and strategic insights to enhance service delivery, influence key policy changes and tactical decisions to enhance service delivery and disrupt security threats. Amina also played a role in influencing funding decisions for the Command. Driven by a passion for positive change due to barriers Amina faced during her career as a single mother, survivor of domestic abuse and experiencing misogyny and racism in the workplace, she has provided leadership training and career coaching to Policing leaders, from underrepresented groups. Establishing support groups for women in policing experiencing domestic abuse and serving on various executive boards, including the Gender Equality Steering Group and London’s Police Race Action Plan, have been key aspects of Amina’s advocacy work. Currently, Amina hold the position of Director of Belonging and Inclusion at IPSA (International Protective Security Association) and serves as a community reference group member for the National Police Race Action Plan, as well as working as as recently being . In these capacities, Amina provides guidance to organisation’s, advocating for cultural changes to enhance diversity, equity, and inclusion practices. Amina has also recently been accepted in to the University of Law to study a Masters of Law LLM with the intention of specialising in Human Rights Law and International Law.

Amy Hollis

Cheshire Constabulary Serious and Complex Collision Investigation Unit

Amy is a Detective Constable living and working in Cheshire. Amy began her Policing career in Lancashire Constabulary in 2010 as a Cadet before Graduating from the University of South Wales in 2015 with an Honours degree in Police Science. She moved to Thames Valley Police where she worked as a Control Room Operator.

She joined Cheshire Constabulary in 2017, beginning her career on Runcorn Response before moving onto the Roads and Crime Unit in 2020 where she featured on Channel 5’s Motorway Cops: Catching Britain’s Speeders. She is currently working as a Collision Death Detective on the Serious Collision Investigation Unit. Amy is also the Co-Chair of Cheshire Constabulary Multicultural Network, the local Black Police Association for Cheshire Constabulary.

Andy Cooke

Andy Cooke joined Merseyside Police in 1985. Andy has had numerous roles including overseeing the Robbery Squad and Target Operations at the Major Crime Unit and Chief Constable of Merseyside Police. Whilst he was Chief, the Force was graded as the highest performing metropolitan Force by HMICFRS. Andy has been commended on 10 occasions and in 2014 was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal. He is married with twin daughters. He has a passion for football and rugby league. On 1 April 2022 Andy was appointed as HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary and HM Chief Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services.

Andy George

President, National Black Police Association

Andy George is the current President of the National Black Police Association (NBPA) in the United Kingdom and a serving police officer in the Police Service of Northern Ireland having joined the service in 1999.

The NBPA aims to create a police service that represents, engages and delivers its services to all communities in a fair and equitable manner. In his role, Andy represents around 5000 members in just under 50 local associations across the UK.

As President, Andy works to ensure members receive the best possible support, liaises with senior leaders and wider national stakeholders and engages with community groups from ethnically diverse backgrounds.

Andy advices the National Police Chiefs Council, College of Policing, Independent Office of Police Complaints and Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire Service on racial equality, system change and police accountability. He also meets regularly with government officials such as the Home Secretary and other key figures who are responsible for policing.

Andy spent the first 8 years of his policing career in a local policing team dealing with emergency and priority calls before moving to the Armed Response Unit, for 10 years, where he was an Operational Firearms Commander, taking charge of firearms teams during spontaneous and pre-planned firearms operations. This involved the use of tactics and less lethal options designed to ensure a safe outcome for all parties including officers, the public and subjects.

He is now a Chief Inspector spending the majority of his time completing NBPA duties.

Sir Andy Marsh QPM

Chief Executive Officer, College of Policing

Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh QPM has been CEO of the College of Policing since 2021, prior to this, he was Chief Constable at Hampshire and Avon and Somerset Police.

As a system leader, Andy has been responsible for introducing a number of changes into policing, including a new Code of Ethics, a National Centre for Police Leadership – including the new Executive Leadership Programme, a new entry route, changes to the vetting system, as well as setting up a National Centre for Police Productivity.

In the King’s Birthday Honors List 2024, it was announced that Andy Marsh would receive a knighthood.

Angela McLeary

I am a Senior Project Manager with 30 years’ service within the Met Police Service. I have been a member of the Met BPA since1996 and was elected as an Executive Member in 2022. I am currently the Treasurer and also lead for the Membership portfolio. As an Executive Member I have been very honoured in representing the BPA in bringing about influence and change. In addition I have been an active member of the Met BPA Woman’s Forum planning team for many years and have enjoyed helping organise numerous Women related events over the years. I became a Union rep in 2018 after seeing too many calls for help, from many minority staff, experiencing all forms of overt and covert macro-aggression across the service with some witnessed first-hand,. Over the years I have used my knowledge and experience in providing BPA support in defending our members and learning how the association can influence change through dialogue and partnership with others.

Bren McInerney

Bren was born and lives in Gloucestershire and has a varied background spending time in the Royal Navy, gained a Batchelor of Science and Masters Degree in Exercise and Health Sciences, and has been volunteering in his local community for 27 years. Bren is totally self funding and uses his personal resources to supports community activities, ranging from racial mentoring with NHS Executives; the Gloucester Mela, the Bangladeshi football programme; Allyship, and better understanding the needs and evidence based innovations on working with/alongside people from Black Asian and Minority Ethnic communities. Bren is proud to work with Rod Hansen, the Chief Constable for Gloucestershire, and his team, and is a member of the

Gloucestershire Legitimacy Panel, local people from diverse ethic communities holding the constabulary to account for the local race agenda and action plan.

Historically, he has been involved in national guidance tools and material, the national leadership academy, public health advise, regulation of the NHS and Social Care, lead a national pilot on how national bodies across health and social care better engage with local community/neighbourhood groups. Recently, Bren was the interim chair of the NHS Race and Health Observatory, a lay member of the Public Advisory Forum for the NHS Workforce, a forum member for the regulation on nurses, midwifes and associates nurses for the UK, and continues with the NHS regulator for health and social care on their Experts by Experience programme and their national external advisory group. Bren’s area of focus has always been on hearing, involving and taking action on the voices of people who may otherwise not feel they are heard or understood. In June 2019 Bren was recognised in the Queen’s Birthday Honours with a British Empire Medal for his services to volunteering, public services and the community- but never forgets this was through the good grace and kindness of others.

BJ Harrington QPM

Chief Constable

Brought up in North London and educated at Saint Ignatius College in Enfield, Ben- Julian - or ‘BJ’, started policing when he joined the Metropolitan Police Service in 1990 in what was then the Chingford and Walthamstow Division of North-East London. He brought with him experience working in Customs and Excise as well as having been a reserve soldier in the Parachute Regiment.

BJ worked his way through the ranks from response officer (responding to 999 calls for help) to become Area Commander for North-West London in October 2014. In that time, he also led the Tottenham High Road and the Broad Water Farm Estate team, oversaw the Secure Counter Terrorist Custody suite at Paddington Green, and was Superintendent in charge of Crime and Operations in Lewisham. Finally, as the Borough Commander for Camden he continued his close work with communities, policing diverse and complex parts of the capital.

Throughout a long career he has continued to champion public order and public safety policing supported by NPCC and the College of Policing and is a firm believer that it is one of the most complex and multi-faceted areas of policing that is often overlooked and misunderstood, with the need of strong cohesion

between teams. He has been Chief Constable of Essex Police since 2018 and has personally led the force’s Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion Strategy from the outset.

Essex was one of the first forces to share body-worn video footage with community representatives to improve the way both officers and communities understand stop and search and the first force to launch a long-term recruitment and colleague retention campaign based on inclusion and shared values. This has seen engagement and direct involvement of community advisors to see increase in trust and confidence. He is committed to policing with the consent of all communities in Essex, Southend-on-Sea and Thurrock.

Coretta Hine

Coretta Hine, founder of Coretta Coaching & Consultancy, is a dedicated leader with a 31-year career in policing, having spent 28 years with the Metropolitan Police Service before retiring as a Detective Chief Superintendent with Kent Police. She holds a Postgraduate Diploma and a Master’s in Leadership and Management and qualifications as a Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) Practitioner, Advanced Life Coach, and Mentor. Coretta uses these skills to promote Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) and help individuals reach their potential. Key career highlights include founding the world’s first Discrimination Investigation Unit, a testament to Coretta’s innovative approach to tackling discrimination. She also led the Diversity and Inclusion Command, designing and delivering a three-year strategy. As Chair of the Race Equality Network and a Cabinet member of the National Black Police Association, Coretta has consistently driven initiatives for racial equality. Now retired, she is dedicated to empowering women, particularly those from ethnic minorities who have experienced discrimination and racism, through tailored coaching and mentoring. Her approach integrates NLP, Life Coaching, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their goals.

Desmond Brown

Desmond Brown Chairs Avon & Somerset Independent Scrutiny of Police Powers Panel, (ISOPPP) and following his report, Tackling disproportionality in A&S CJS commissioned by the Local Criminal Justice Board, published in 2022 (https://www. avonandsomerset-pcc.gov.uk/wpcontent/uploads/2022/01/ Identifying-Disproportionality-Report.pdf ), he also Chairs the Independent Scrutiny Board (ISB) proactively building on the 83 recommendations from his report. Desmond is the founder and

CEO of Growing Futures UK a black lead community interest company working with children, young people and their families impacted by school exclusions, serious youth violence (SYV), child criminal and sexual exploitation (CCE/CSE). Desmond has also been a member of US tech firm Axon’s Ethics and Equity Advisory Council (EEAC)since 2022.

Donovan Kerr

I was born in London to Jamaican parents who had arrived in the UK during the 1950s. In 2007, I joined Dyfed Powys Police as Police Community support officer which had always been an ambition since the days of watching Starsky and Hutch on television as a young boy. However growing up in Harlesden, London, an area which is still highly populated by Black communities in the late 1970’s/ early 1980’s, any such ambition would have caused much disappointment and been frowned upon.

As a Black Officer in Dyfed-Powys Police I has faced prejudice and ignorance and encountered challenges during the course of my career but was proud to be asked to become the Chair of the Ethnic Minority Support Network which has seen membership grow. Since I took charge over four and half years ago. I am a valued member of the organization now, having quarterly and consistent meetings with The Chief officer Group and Police Crime Commissioner as well as my NETWORK members.

I attend a full diary of meetings every Month the list is endless as I cant attend them all, But The Police and Race Action Plan for Black People is one of many along with the Disproportionality Review Panel and Various external companies and organisations across the UK. I have attended a Leadership programme funded By Gloucester Police whom have been very supportive in the work that I have been trying to do. I have Also received Awards for my contribution to improve diversity in Policing, and the courage and determination I have showed to stand up for what’s right. Which includes awards from lasts years Black Police Association conference in Wales. A high sheriff award for my contribution to the local Community and the Police where I live. Also it was a privileged to be invited to this years Garden Party at Buckingham Palace. I have continually encouraged all Minority groups to join the Police and make a difference, I have persevered with my career in order to help contribute to the growth of the organization.

Eni Aluko

Eniola Aluko is a former professional footballer who represented Chelsea, Juventus and England making 104 appearances over 11 years and playing for Great Britain in 2012 London Olympics. S She leads a multi-hyphenate career after graduating from Brunel University with a First class honors in Law (LLB) and qualified as a UK solicitor. She is a football broadcaster, philanthropist and nominated author and a football executive holding notable roles such as the first ever Sporting Director for the high-profile women’s team Angel City FC in Los Angeles. She appears regularly as a football analyst for ITV, Amazon and Fox Sports, covering the biggest international and club competitions across men’s and women’s football.

Eni is passionate about health and wellbeing, self-image, confidence and equality of opportunity for girls and women all over the world. She holds ambassadorial roles for Adidas and Chelsea FC and has delivered keynote speeches for some of the world’s renowned corporate businesses such as Nomura Bank, Barclays, Deloitte, Avon, JPMC., Forbes and WPP on subjects including high performance, diversity & inclusion, leadership, team culture, mentorship and other topics bridging sport & business. She was honoured with an MBE in November 2023. Eni’s passions include travel, creative arts, fashion, food and chess!

Gary Trowsdale

Gary comes from a police family. Dad was the village copper in Shenley Village in Hertfordshire in the late 50’s and 1960’s. Didn’t quite work out that Gary went to Hendon and became a police officer himself and at one stage found himself homeless and involved in street crime in mid teens. Got his life on track and in 1993 was voted the UK Marketing society marketer of the year. Always worked with young people as a volunteer youth worker and in 2006 Gary took on role as Damilola Taylor Trust CEO staging the Spirit of London awards which he founded at Royal Albert Hall and O2 Arena amongst other premier event venues.

In 2017 Gary was lead advisory to the all party parliamentary commission that led to 22 Violence reduction units across the UK emulating the Scottish VRU and Gary is now the executive Director of the Hope Collective a membership cooperative dedicated to supporting Britains most vulnerable young people. Having staged 36 Hope Hacks actions the UK it is now the biggest ever coalition of youth orgs in the UK. Gary recently accepted an invitation to be on PM Keir Starmer’s anti-knife crime task force.

Gavin Stephens Chief Constable

Gavin was elected to the Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) in 2022 and took up the role in April 2023, having served in Surrey Police from Constable to Chief Constable.

As Chair of NPCC Gavin is responsible for ensuring strong coordination and collaboration across UK Policing, including British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies. Policing practices across the UK are held together by strong principles and values, which are rooted in policing by consent.

Working together with the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, the College of Policing, His Majesty’s Inspectorate, the National Crime Agency, and many other public and voluntary bodies, Gavin ensures NPCC contributes to a shared vision of achieving the most trusted and engaged policing service in the world, by making communities safer and stronger.

Gavin is the Senior Responsible Officer for the national Police Race Action Plan. He is a Director of BlueLight Commercial and Police Digital Services. He chairs the Boards of the Criminal Records Office, and Police Crime Prevention Initiatives. He is a trustee of the charity Police Care UK, and chairs the Board of Trustees for Police Arboretum Memorial Trust. He is a patron of the Police Mutual Assurance Society.

In his former role as Chief Constable of Surrey, Gavin was chair of the NPCC Finance Coordination Committee and NPCC Communications Advisory Group. Prior to that he was NPCC lead for Neighbourhood Policing and chaired the committee to produce the College of Policing Guidelines on Modernising Neighbourhood Policing.

Born and bred in Hartlepool on the North East coast, Gavin studied engineering and management studies at the University of Cambridge and worked for GEC Marconi Research as a sponsored student. Upon graduation he joined Cambridgeshire Constabulary, then transferred to Surrey Police in 1996. He worked across a wide variety of roles including Head of Serious & Organised Crime, Professional Standards, and often returned to his passion of Neighbourhood Policing.

Habib Kadiri

Habib Kadiri is executive director of StopWatch. He first became involved in the organisation in a volunteering capacity in 2018, before joining the staff team in April 2021. Habib has over a decade’s worth of professional experience from previous charity NGOs, and his interests lie with the emerging scope of policing technologies for the mass surveillance of racialised minorities from marginalised communities and the risks they pose to citizens’ civil liberties and human rights.

Jenny Barnett

Superintendant

Jenny is the Area Commander for West Essex in Essex Police. Jenny wanted to be a force for good and decided to become a police officer when she was 18 to represent her community and encourage others to join too, but her eyesight let her down. Jenny stayed within public sector and her 30 year career includes local authority performance improvement and change management at the London Borough of Newham, and senior management roles at Cambridge University. She worked her way up through the civil service grades to become Deputy Director of the Magistrates and Crown Courts across a large sector of London.

She’s also tackled strategic vision and leadership at Cork University Dental School & Hospital, and handled performance improvement and large-scale change. In 2014 she returned to Newham to take up an operational role with the Met Police, as one of the first cohort of the Direct Entry Superintendent programme. Her motivation? To represent her community, make a sustainable, positive difference to society, and to the organisation for the benefit of the people she serves and those she works with. She is passionate about policing, and strongly believes in authentic leadership and workplace inclusion. She has been responsible for all uniform policing (operational response and neighbourhood policing) across Newham and Enfield.

She was responsible for supporting operations at Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection Command, and more recently she took a leading role on managing the response to COVID for Specialist Operations across London. She has also worked on increasing representation and inclusion in the MPS. Since joining Essex in 2021, Jenny has led on Professionalism drafting the Force Professionalism Strategy and the Violence Against Women and Girls (VAWG) Strategy. She has been th4 Area Commander for West Essex since January 2022. Jenny’s mother came to the UK from Grenada in the 1960s. She originates from Dagenham and grew up in Surrey Docks, London on the Silwood estate,

where she lived with her mum and brother. Her extended family were raised in Dagenham where she spent all her school holidays and weekends.

Jenny describes herself as a keen if somewhat haphazard cook, a reader, and enjoys walking & running in her spare time (at a leisurely pace). She has a degree in Law and a Masters in Human Resources Management.

Jesee Karanga

Area Commander for West Essex in Essex Police

My name is Jesee Karanga, a Police Inspector from Lincolnshire Police. I currently lead on the delivery of Police Race Action Plan in Lincolnshire Police. I joined the Police as a Police Constable in 2010. Prior to my current role, I’ve worked in Community Response and Neighbourhood Policing as an inspector. Until recently I was the Chair of our support network for ethnic minorities called SMILE (Supporting Minorities in Lincolnshire through Engagement). I am also the male Vice President of National Black Police Association (NBPA). Since Joining the police, I have spent most of my carrier in detective roles.

I have worked both as a Detective Constable and Detective Sergeant in Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and Protecting Vulnerable Persons Department (PVP). I have also worked in the role of Police Support Unit (PSU) working in public disorder operations. I have also worked as an FLC (Family Liaison Coordinator), managing Family Liaison Officers (FLOs) who work with bereaved families during homicide investigations.

I initially joined Lincolnshire Police in a Police staff role as an Admin Assistant, working in the Mail Room in 2009 and I was also a Special Constable prior to then taking on the role of a Police Constable in 2010. I was born and raised in Kenya. The eldest child raised with other 4 siblings from a humbled family in a poor village in Kenya. I moved to the UK at the age of 24 years old. However, I have not forgotten my heritage and still help my community and beyond at home in many ways whenever I can, such as distributing food, supporting young people in education and development of the village infrastructure. I joined the police to make and influence change. I joined SMILE and NBPA because I am passionate about ensuring that policing becomes an antiracist organisation that embraces EDI and eradicates disproportionalities from both within the organisation and in serving our communities. Thus, I am proud to dedicate my time working together with others to influence changes that would see British policing becoming a Police Force that serves all people and communities in an equitable and fair manner.

Kimberley Bownes

I joined Hampshire and IOW Constabulary in 2005 spending the first couple of years in response and patrol and quickly moving to the world of CID.

In 2020, I was promoted to Detective Sergeant and became Hampshire’s NBPA NEC representative.

In 2022, I became Co-Chair of Hampshire’s Black Ethnic and Minority support network.

Since becoming part of the NBPA NEC, I have featured in national and local recruitment campaigns hoping to inspire the next generation. I was elected onto the cabinet in October 2023 as Communications Lead.

My ambition going forward is to work with colleagues who share my passion in making policing a profession, whereby Black, Asian and minority staff and officers feel valued and can be themselves in the workplace.

I am keen to support the progression and retention of minority officers and staff. I recognise the voice the NBPA has within certain national steering groups and the Home Office therefore allowing our work and efforts to really make a difference.

Kriss Akabusi said, “Life is about the lessons you learn and the legacy you leave,” I believe the work of the NBPA from its very beginning recognises the importance of legacy to strengthen its future.

Lawrence Davies

Lawrence Davies LLM is an award winning, specialist, antidiscrimination solicitor and CEO of Equal Justice solicitors. He is the recipient of the NBPA Lifetime Achievement award winner in 2018. He has successfully represented (among others) Superintendents Parm Sandhu, and Nusrit Mehtab, Chief Inspector Hector Mckoy and other officers such as Howard Shaw and Carol Howard.

Lawrence is a prominent UK solicitor and the founder of the law firm Equal Justice Solicitors. He is known for his work in fighting discrimination and promoting equality in the workplace. Davies has represented individuals in a wide range of cases, including those involving race, sex, age, and disability discrimination. He is a strong advocate for fair treatment and equal opportunities for all.

Mark Blake

Policy Manager, Criminal Justice Alliance

Mark has worked across the voluntary and community sector for over three decades. He has a wealth of experience from the criminal justice and race equality sectors and has campaigned on issues of racial justice and fairness across the justice system, including working at Action for Race Equality (formerly BTEG). More recently he has worked in police consultation for Camden Safer Neighbourhood Board and in two prisons as a consultant to implement the recommendations from The Lammy Review.

Nicholas Sensely

Chief of Police (USA-Retired) Nicholas Sensley is the Founder and CEO of the Institute for American Policing Reform (IAPR). The Institute for American Policing Reform is a non-partisan nonprofit organisation with a vision for standardised and trustworthy American policing services enculturated with the highest regard for human dignity. The Institute encourages communities to reinvest in public safety in a way that is sensitive to the rigorous and challenging role of being a peace officer and the need for residents to be confident that policing services are predictable, trustworthy, and conducted with reverence for the life and dignity of all persons.

Nicholas is a former California Police Chief with 25 years of diverse policing services in three California cities. He has been a consultant and developer in the United States, Africa, Asia, Europe, South America, and the South Caribbean for nearly three decades. He specialises in strategic planning, leadership development, and the emphasis and practice of principled and ethical governance. Nicholas is an experienced champion for social, racial, ethnic, identity, and religious equity domestically and internationally. He leverages a long career in peace officer leadership, combating corruption, the defence of marginalised populations, peacebuilding, and human dignity and rights advocacy. Nicholas has facilitated strategic solutions across all levels of government and in very diverse communities globally.

Nicholas’ expertise in developing strategic responses to human crises has been recognized by the US Department of State, the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Department of Justice, the Organization for Security and Co-Operation in Europe, and others. He has served as an appointed Human Rights Commissioner and on several humanitarian organisations’ boards.

Learn more about Nicholas at www.americanpolicingreforn.org and www.NicholasSensley.com

Paul Anderson

Paul Anderson’s journey from personal adversity to becoming a champion for youth empowerment spans over three decades. After being excluded from secondary school and spending time in an adult prison, Paul reflected on his experiences and developed a deep desire to help others avoid similar mistakes. Reconnecting with his roots in Lagos, Nigeria, he discovered a passion for music, arts, and creativity, which he channelled into a meaningful career upon returning to the UK.

Starting in the late 1980s, Paul pursued education and various qualifications, quickly establishing a reputation for connecting with at-risk youth through roles in Islington and Camden Youth Services. His innovative programmes for young offenders and his work as a Youth Justice Officer shaped his lifelong focus on youth development and creative engagement. In 1993, Paul managed youth-focused programs in Camden, developing cultural events and local youth initiatives while directing an African Drumming and Dance company.

His expertise led him to Hackney, where he extended his impact across London boroughs as a regeneration consultant. In 2003, as CEO of the Luton Carnival Development Trust, he transformed the UK’s second-largest carnival into a national institution, raising over £14.5 million to establish the UK Centre for Carnival Arts. Paul’s contributions earned him an MBE in 2011. Later, he revitalised the Black Police Association Charitable Trust, developing a youth engagement strategy and accredited courses for young Black people.

Today, as CEO of Voyage, Paul continues to empower young people, helping them unlock their potential and build bright futures.

Rachel Watson

Rachel was appointed Director General of the IOPC by the Crown in April 2024.

Her job is to lead the IOPC in our mission to improve policing through independent oversight of the police complaints system. Rachel has significant public service experience having worked in the heart of government for more than 20 years. This includes a decade working at the Home Office, where she was Policing Director for five years before joining the IOPC, giving her extensive knowledge of policing and policing stakeholders.

Rachel has worked in a range of Government departments before joining the Home Office, including HM Treasury, HM Revenue & Customs and the Department for Energy & Climate Change.

She has undertaken a variety of different roles including media relations in HM Treasury, leading organisational change in the former Identity and Passport Service and undertaking culture transformation.

Roger Hirst PFCC

Roger Hirst was first elected as the Police and Crime Commissioner for Essex in May 2016 and has since been elected for a third term in May 2024. He became the first Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner in the country in October 2017.

Roger’s core belief that safe and secure communities are the bedrock on which we build well-being and prosperity for all, remains central to his vision for making Essex safer. A strong advocate of prevention, partnership and people, Roger has worked hard to build a foundation of collaborative working between emergency services, local authorities, councils, the voluntary sector and communities in Essex, believing we can do more and achieve more together.

A long-standing member of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioner’s Board and Finance Lead for Police and Crime Commissioner’s nationally, Roger led the successful campaign to secure additional funding for policing and achieved the target of recruiting an additional 905 Essex Police officers in March 2023, making the force the biggest in its 185-year history.

Over the next four years Roger’s ambition is to see crime cut by 40 per cent in Essex through continuing investment in local policing, using data driven activity to target known hotspots and providing early intervention to identify and protect vulnerable people.

Prior to his election as Commissioner, Roger was Cabinet Member at Essex County Council with responsibility for Community Safety. He was also Deputy Leader of Brentwood Borough Council and has 33 years’ experience as a senior investment banker.

Mr Hirst became the first Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner in October 2017 and continues to work nationally and locally to build stronger links between emergency services and help create more secure communities.

Prior to his election as Commissioner, Mr. Hirst was Cabinet Member at Essex County Council with responsibility for Community Safety; Deputy Leader of Brentwood Borough Council; and has 33 years’ experience as a senior investment banker.

Sayeeda Warsi

Baroness

Baroness Sayeeda Warsi is a lawyer, author, businesswoman, philanthropist, and member of the House of Lords. She was Britain’s first Muslim Cabinet Minister; Chairman of the Conservative party and a Senior Minister at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Daughter of an immigrant mill worker, Sayeeda Warsi rose to become an Advisor to the Leader of the Conservative Party, Michael Howard, in 2004, the youngest peer in the House of Lords, aged 36, in 2007 and Britain’s first Muslim Cabinet Minister in 2010.

A campaigner on equalities and religious freedom in 2007 she travelled to Sudan and famously helped to secure the release of the British teacher Gillian Gibbons who was on trial for blasphemy. The iconic images of her in 2010 on the steps of No 10 Downing Street in a shalwar kameez (a traditional ethnic outfit) were beamed around the world as she was appointed as Chairman of the Conservative Party – the first Asian to chair a major British political party. Warsi has been a major driver of four start-up businesses; two in the service sector and two in manufacturing, all of which developed into vibrant and successful SMEs.

In Government she led the campaign to ensure that Britain became the first western country to issue a Sukuk (Islamic bond), which was issued in 2014. She also Chaired the Global Islamic Finance & Investment Group. Sayeeda Warsi is the Pro Vice Chancellor at the University of Bolton, a Visiting Professor at St Marys, an advisor at Georgetown University Washington D.C, and a member of the International Advisory Board on FORB, University of Notre Dame. She is the author of The Enemy Within, a provocative and brutally honest account of the relationship between Islam and Britain.

She is Co Presenter of the political reality show Make Me Prime Minister as well as being a regular TV presenter, commentator, and documentary maker. Sayeeda Warsi is the Founder of the Savayra Foundation UK, a women’s empowerment charity with a focus on social mobility and gender equality.

Simon Miah

Simon Miah is the current Sponsorship lead for the National Black Police Association (NBPA) in the United Kingdom and a serving Police Sergeant in Essex Constabulary.

I am extremely proud to represent the NBPA and all of our members throughout the UK. Our work is so important, not only for Policing but to the communities we serve. My position within the NBPA is essential in terms of growth and development, especially when it comes to training, development and progression of our Police Officers and Staff from Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic backgrounds.

I have worked for Essex Police for 16 years and I am the current Vice Chair of the Multi Ethnic Support Association. I have been fortunate enough to work on the Local Policing Teams, Community Policing, Firearms and now the Positive Action Team whereby I concentrate on Attraction, Recruitment, Retention and Progression.

My main areas of focus are to achieve a diverse workforce and to work closely with our Communities accross our County of Essex.

Simone Orefuwa

Simone Orefuwa is Digital Delivery and Planning Lead at the College of Policing, where she spearheads the day-to-day execution of innovative digital projects. With a keen eye for detail, she oversees the development of cutting-edge digital learning products and platforms, while leading a dedicated team responsible for the strategic allocation of digital resources. Simone’s tenure of over 16 years at the College has seen her work in various Project Management roles, consistently driving success and innovation. Beyond her primary role, Simone is a passionate advocate for diversity and inclusion.

Since November 2021, she has co-chaired the Diverse Ethnic Action Network (DEAN), tirelessly working to foster a fair and equitable workplace for all members. Her commitment to professional development is further exemplified through her involvement with the National Black Police Association (NBPA), where she has served as Training Coordinator since 2022. In this capacity, Simone has supported delivery of training programs, including promotional training, peer support, and media training for members and the cabinet.

In 2024, Simone embraced a new challenge as the Female Vice President of the NBPA, where she is dedicated to ensuring that every local BPA executive team includes female representation. In her new role, Simone supported the presentation of a briefing to the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, addressing the pressing issues of racism and discrimination in UK policing. She also contributed to the recommendation that the UK government establish an independent oversight body to investigate discrimination, showcasing her commitment to driving systemic change.

Stephen Walcott

Stephen is a Senior Researcher at the Runnymede Trust, the UK’s leading race equality think tank. He currently co-leads Runnymede’s policing and criminal justice work looking into nonpolicing alternatives to crime and harm prevention across the UK. He has previously worked at Demos, a Westminster think tank, and the Police Foundation, an independent policing think tank, where he conducted extensive research on issues around race and policing.

Stuart Lawrence

Stuart Lawrence, younger brother of Stephen Lawrence a teacher, orator, author and consultant: all for a single purpose, to give young people and adults alike the mindset and skills to achieve their potential, irrespective of background. And in turn become the voices that change society.

“We as a family now are looking forward to the future and how the legacy of Stephen can be a driving force to help young people. After Stephen’s death, Stuart stayed in education and

followed a creative path which focused on graphic design, taking a keen interest in typographical design. Upon completing a course at the London College of Printing, he attended

Northampton University to read Graphic Communication. Stuart worked with the Home Office and HMP Belmarsh before going on to become a teacher, in which his teaching career spanned over 20 years, working with a secondary school based in Southwest London. Stuart recently left this role to take on developing change within the education system and our society as a whole.

Whilst working with these particular establishments which are in place in order to help aid change, rehabilitation and impart knowledge to our young people, Stuart has also been part of local communities for the last 20 years as a dedicated Football Coach, coaching young people at least twice a week.

As well as working in youth work and engagement, Stuart has now published his first book in April 2021 , ‘Silence Is Not An Option’, and Stuarts second book ‘GROWING UP BLACK IN

BRITAIN’ which was recently released in September last year. Stuart is also working with organisations/broadcasters to help them focus on areas of racism , internally and externally within our society.

In 2021, Stuart was nominated by the Multicultural Business & Community Champion Awards and received the prestigious Special Recognition Award for to recognise and celebrate Stuart Lawrence’s work in the field of equality, author of Silence Is Not An Option, and all the important work he does with the Stephen Lawrence Day Foundation with the prestigious MBCC Special Recognition Award.

AGENDA FOR GALA DINNER

Muzz Khan

Hailing from Burnley in Lancashire, Muzz Khan is best known for his role as series regular, Adyan Khan, in Sky’s hit comedydrama, BRASSIC, and most memorably as the face and voice of one of the UK’s leading supermarkets, ASDA; fronting over 20 commercials for the brand during COVID. He is also known for his roles as Fappuccino in Charlie Brooker’s BLACK MIRROR and series regular, Barry, in Dan Fogelman and Alan Menken’s GALAVANT for abc/Disney – alongside roles in TRYING for AppleTV, Rob Delaney and Sharon Horgan’s CATASTROPHE for Channel 4, John Morton’s TEN PERCENT for Amazon Prime and Paul Abbott’s WOLFE for Sky Max.

Alongside his notable work in film as Syed in Jojo Moyes Hollywood smash-hit, ME BEFORE YOU and the recent MATILDA: THE MUSICAL (Netflix) and WONKA (Warner Bros) reboots, he is also in high demand as a globe-trotting DJ and stage actor.

Muzz was recently on stage in the West End at WYNDHAM’S THEATRE in the Steven Moffat-penned and Mark Gatissdirected farce THE UNFRIEND, opposite Lee Mack and Sarah Alexander.

His DJ credentials include venues such as the Royal Albert Hall, Ministry of Sound, Hedsor House, KOKO and the O2 Academy Brixton amongst others.

He will soon be seen in THE GOOD SHIP MURDER on Channel 5 and the highly-anticipated new WALLACE AND GROMIT movie: VENGEANCE MOST FOWL in December 2024.

AWARD CATEGORIES

Community Champion of the Year

Police Officer of the Year

NBPA Ally of the Year

Local Association/Network of the Year

Police Staff of the Year

Police Force of the Year

Sponsored by the NPHS - National Police Healthcare Scheme

Nominees should be a Police Force or Law Enforcement Agency who have over a period of time actively progressed the race agenda on a regional or national basis measured against the NBPA strands of Representation, Engagement, Police Powers & Support. Self-nomination is allowed.

Sislin Fay Allen Lifetime Achievement Award

Special Recognition Award

President’s Awards

The President’s Awards are chosen by the President and is based on their observations of those who have gone above and beyond but have not been recognised in other award categories. It gives an opportunity for those unsung heroes and heroines to be recognised for their outstanding contributions in driving the mission of the National Black Police Association’s vision and mission throughout the year.

Sponsored by Amazon, Deep Insight & Axon

WITH THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS & EXHIBITORS

SALESFORCE

Salesforce, the #1 AI CRM, is enabling public sector organisations around the world to build public trust and connection. Salesforce for Policing allows you to transform digital service delivery with easy automation tools, achieve faster time to value with purpose-built solutions, and improve mission success with smart insights that help you move the mission forward - all within a secure, compliant cloud environment.

We lead with our core values of trust, customer success, innovation, equality, and sustainability, and we are proud to be recognised as a leader in innovation, culture and philanthropy.

For more information, please visit: https://www. salesforce.com/uk/solutions/industries/government/ verticals/police/

BLACKBERRY

BlackBerry provides intelligent security software and services to enterprises and governments worldwide. Based in Waterloo, Ontario, the company leverages AI and machine learning to deliver innovative solutions in the areas of cybersecurity, safety & critical event management and data privacy solutions. BlackBerry is a leader in the areas of endpoint management, endpoint security, secure communications, encryption, and embedded systems. The company also secures over 235M electric vehicles. BlackBerry’s vision is clear - to secure a connected future you can trust. For more information, visit BlackBerry.com and follow @ BlackBerry

INDEED

Indeed is the leading UK job site1 and a global hiring and matching platform. We connect jobseekers to opportunities across various Police Forces. Our simple and powerful tools help you source, screen, and hire faster, supporting Police Forces in creating efficient talent attraction strategies.

.1.SimilarWeb, Total Visits, June 2024

NicheRMS

At Niche, we focus on the information demands of frontline officers when seconds count. The responsive NicheRMS365 UI provides a consistent, intuitive user experience on phone, tablet, laptop and desktop devices, so agencies can simply train once and use anywhere – on any device. Our customers have rewarded that commitment by making us the leading RMS provider worldwide, with more large police agencies using NicheRMS365 than our top eight competitors combined. It’s the most highly configurable, capable and respected RMS platform in the world.

OPFCC

The role of the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner in Essex (PFCC) is to be the voice of the people. The PFCC actively monitors and scrutinises the performance of Essex Police and Essex County Fire and Rescue Service (ECFRS), to ensure they are delivering an efficient and effective service. The PFCC’s statutory duties include agreeing the budget for Essex Police and ECFRS and for overseeing how these budgets are spent, ensuring taxpayers get good value for money. In addition, the Commissioner works with a range of organisations, across both business and voluntary sectors to deliver an improved service to the people of Essex. Through the Community Safety Development Fund, the PFCC awards grants to different organisations who work hard to make our communities safer and help victims of crime.

SLATER

Slater and Gordon is one of the country’s leading law firms and has represented police officers for over 65 years. We appreciate and understand the work of the police, and to support you during your life and career, we offer a host of services especially tailored to your specific need including legal services for incidents that may have occurred on and off duty. We are not just lawyers, we are your support network.

COLLEGE OF POLICING

Working together with everyone in policing, we share the skills and knowledge officers and staff need to prevent crime and keep people safe.

We gather and share information across policing, providing easy access to knowledge and good practice. We set standards for key areas of policing which help forces and individuals provide consistency and a better service for the public. We support and deliver learning and professional development, supporting progress, promoting diversity and wellbeing and helping to nurture and select leaders at all levels.

NPHS

The National Police Healthcare Scheme provides private healthcare for the ‘Police Family’ at not-forprofit rates.

Formerly called the Northern Police Healthcare Scheme, it is a self-financing Trust which was created in 1989 and is overseen by Trustees, who are all serving Police Officers.

The scheme now has over 9,000 members across 25 Police Forces.

In addition to the swift provision of private healthcare, the scheme provides FREE membership of the Police Treatment Centres, as well as exclusive access to luxury holiday homes at not-for-profit prices.

The scheme does not seek to make money, it seeks to deliver as much benefit as possible to its members.

For more information, please go to www.nphs.uk

MET FRIENDLY

Metfriendly support the Police Family and have been doing so for quite some time. Volunteers formed the Metropolitan Police Provident Association in 1893 mainly to help widows of colleagues, and retiring Officers.

In 1948 this became the Metropolitan Police Friendly Society. Since then we’ve been offering unique Policefriendly financial products and services to serving and retired Police Officers, Police Staff and their families. Today we have grown to be a multi-million pound organisation looking after the whole of the UK Police Family – but we STILL have our members interests at the heart of everything we do.

Our mission: To be a commercially strong and modern mutual society that has the financial security of the Police Family at its heart.

Our friendly, expert team comprises experienced financial services professionals including actuaries and underwriters. But it’s our close relationship with the Police Service that helps us to provide a comprehensive range of savings, investments and protection products tailored to meet your needs.

We know the ins and outs of the Police pay system, pension scheme and political landscape. And we understand the risks you face and the worries your family deal with on a daily basis.

DEEP STORE

DeepStore is the UK’s leading provider of expert document and artefact storage, operating in the country’s largest and oldest rock salt mine. This unique underground facility offers unparalleled preservation conditions, with a constant 15°C temperature and 55% relative humidity, ensuring optimal protection of sensitive materials.

Serving a wide range of industries, including law enforcement, DeepStore provides ultra-secure storage, fast document retrieval, digital scanning, and secure destruction services. Our bespoke, 150-meter underground rooms are naturally protected from vermin, flooding, UV light, and fire, offering a secure alternative to above-ground facilities. Additionally, our Central London facility ensures next-day secure retrievals for London and the South East.

Security is at the core of DeepStore’s operations. Our facilities are monitored by CCTV, equipped with intruder alarms, and staffed by security-vetted personnel (IG, BPSS, NPPV Level 3, DBS). We maintain a full audit trail and complete chain of custody, complying with the highest standards, including EN 16893:2018, ISO 9001, ISO 27001, and ISO 14001. Visit our website to find out more www.deepstore.com

NPCC

National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) brings UK police leaders together to set direction in policing and drive progress for the public.

We achieve this through:

Coordination – by joining up the operational response to critical national policing issues to deliver policing today and shape the future.

Collaboration – by working in partnership as part of the whole policing system and beyond to improve public safety.

Communication – by sharing the collective expertise, views and action of UK police chiefs.

Working with partners such as the College of Policing and the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), NPCC helps the police cut crime and keep the public safe by joining up the operational response to the most serious and strategic threats.

AXON

Axon is a technology leader in global public safety. Our goal is to support police forces in their journey to enhance operational efficiency and keep their workforce and the public better protected. We are building the public safety operating system of the future by integrating a suite of hardware devices and cloud software solutions that lead modern policing. Axon’s suite includes TASER energy devices, bodyworn cameras, in-car cameras, cloud-hosted digital evidence management solutions, productivity software, and real-time operations capabilities.

Our growing global customer base includes first responders across international, federal, state, and local law enforcement, fire, corrections, and emergency medical services, as well as the justice sector, commercial enterprises, and consumers. Our products, designed for seamless integration, enhance connectivity and efficiency in law enforcement operations.

We believe that better and more accessible information can help agencies save valuable time, resources, and reduce crime. Our mission is to protect life by innovating and leading in public safety technology.

TLT – trusted legal partner to blue light and security services.

With a wealth of experience at local, national and international levels, our mission is simple – to help blue light and security services deliver essential services efficiently, effectively and with social impact. Our experts work collaboratively and with common purpose on the challenges facing UK public services today. From digital transformation to large infrastructure projects, from employment law to data protection, and on all matters involving public law and national security, TLT is the stand-out choice.

UNIFORM MORTGAGES

For in excess of 20 years we have been arranging mortgages for police Officers & Support Staff . During this time we have gained an excellent knowledge of the schemes available so you can be confident that we know what we are doing Being independent means we are able to source a mortgage product for you from the whole of the market place and we pride ourselves on offering an excellent service for our customers.

Our advisors are fully qualified to provide mortgage advice and hold the relevant qualification. We also have a team of dedicated case managers who will look after your application during the entire process.

We aim to guide you through the complete mortgage process from start to finish.

With our advice and assistance we aim to source the right mortgage for your needs and preferences whether you are a first time buyer, buying a new home, re-mortgaging an existing property or even looking for a buy to let.

For police officers & staff, we do not charge a fee for our service. Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on your mortgage.

Tel: 01767 316626

Email: info@uniformmortgages.co.uk

AMAZON

Amazon Web Services (AWS) works with public safety organisations to build the next generation of national security, justice, police and fire and rescue solutions. We focus on understanding customers’ mission challenges and then, work backwards to define potential solutions. Our solutions ensure business outcomes remain the driver for change.

Through cloud, AWS is enabling organisations to become more agile and innovate faster with access to over 200 services from compute to machine learning to quantum technologies. We are actively working with public safety organisations in areas such as data analytics, public contact, digital investigation, and workforce management, as well as emerging challenges such as sustainability and digital based criminality.

We are a company of builders who bring varying backgrounds, ideas, and points of view to inventing on behalf of our customers. Our diverse perspectives come from many sources including gender, race, age, national origin, sexual orientation, culture, education, and professional and life experience. We are committed to diversity and inclusion and always look for ways to scale our impact as we grow.

To find out more or to contact us, please visit our website: AWS for UK Justice and Public Safety.

ROYAL AIR FORCE POLICE

The Royal Air Force Police is essential to the security and resilience of the Royal Air Force, offering a specialised range of services in Counter Intelligence, Law Enforcement, Aviation Security, Protective Security, and Military Working Dogs. Our personnel work tirelessly safeguarding Air & Space Power, in support of operations in the UK and globally; ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of all components within this advanced technological Air Force.

DEEP INSIGHT

Deep Insight is a Leadership and coaching consultancy specialising in Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI). We help businesses better understand and implement EDI through innovative training and coaching programmes. Our clients range from North West Ambulance Service and Surrey & Sussex Police to the Welsh Government. We are experts at cultural change and providing practical solutions for public sector race plans.

Our vision is to support and develop change in organisations that enable people to be inspired, engaged, and authentic.

We grow talent and transform culture.

Dr Kul Verma DCrimJ, MEd, LLB (Hons), FCMI

kul@deep-insight.co.uk

07415 035213

www.deep-insight.co.uk

LinkedIn:

https://www.linkedin.com/company/kv-deepinsight/

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/kv.deepinsight/

MOUNTAIN HEALTHCARE

Mountain Healthcare is a leading expert health and justice service provider across the United Kingdom. Our world-class provisions include healthcare in Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARCs), Police Custody, and Secure Environments. Driven by the values of Be Kind and Do the Right Thing, Mountain Healthcare provides patients with holistic, trauma-informed care promoting improved health outcomes. Our premier clinicians ensure equal, effective, and efficient care to all our patients and always prioritise their health, safety, and rights.

TMH MEDIA

At TMH, we pride ourselves on being a forward thinking, full-service advertising agency with a proven track record, partnering with the majority of UK police forces. With extensive experience in delivering 100s of targeted police campaigns, we specialise in reaching diverse audiences.

Our comprehensive media planning and buying services span across TV, radio, outdoor, and print platforms, ensuring your message is seen and heard where it matters most. Our in-house digital team is adept at crafting impactful digital and social media campaigns that resonate with the communities you need to engage.

Our state-of-the-art TV studio in London allows us to produce and deliver bespoke campaigns, tailored specifically to the audience profiles you wish to reach. We are uniquely positioned to help you connect with your target audiences effectively and efficiently.

Let TMH be your trusted partner in communication, helping you to amplify your message and achieve your goals.

Courts and Tribunals Judiciary

MINISTRY OF JUSTICE

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the Magistracy. We are thrilled to support the National Black Police Association at their 2024 Conference. Our goal is to engage with the community, share valuable insights, and advocate for opportunities that will create a more representative and inclusive magistracy.

MOTOROLA

Motorola Solutions is extremely proud to be supporting this year’s National Black Police Association Conference. Our mantra is “solving for safer communities” - we build and connect technologies to help protect people, property and places. In honour of our strong and valued partnership with NBA, we are delighted to be attending what looks to be an incredibly uplifting and inspiring celebration of diversity across all forces. We also salute all nominees and winners at the Awards and Gala dinner, for championing inclusion in the face of racism and discrimination. Let the festivities begin!

NARPO

At NARPO (National Association of Retired Police Officers) we believe that life doesn’t stop after the Police, it flourishes. That’s why we seek to represent the UK’s more than a quarter of a million former Police Officers, staff, their partners and former partners, and those widowed both in and after service. It’s a big responsibility, with our primary concerns to do with pensions, wellbeing, and a fulfilled later life. We have over 93,000 members spanning all forces across England and Wales.

Through our affiliations and network, we’re able to provide services including: Exclusive deals on car, home, health and travel insurance, In-depth advice on police pensions and how legislative changes might affect you and your family and a range of well-being related services that consider the importance of both physical and mental health in retirement.

For more information visit: www.narpo.org

- National Association of Retired Police Officers

JOHN LEWIS

The Partnership is an inclusive and vibrant community of Partners, and others working for and with us. As part of our Partner priorities, our commitment is to make sure everyone belongs here. Our happier business starts with happier Partners, enjoying worthwhile and satisfying work in a supportive environment we all help to create. We’ve made progress towards our ambition to become the UK’s most inclusive business. Our achievements include the FTSE Women Leaders Review, holding our first ever Inclusion Conference for Partners, the creation of our new Carers network and much more. It’s also important that we create an inclusive experience for our customers as well by marking a range of celebrations, faith-based festivals and holidays and days of recognition. We treat people with fairness, courtesy and respect, and we always endeavor to work with others who do the same. John Lewis Chelmsford are proud to support the 2024 NBPA Conference.

BIDFORD

We are one of the UK’s leading distributors, supplying over 10,000 food, drink, and catering products to over 40,000 customers, including hotels, restaurants, care homes, prisons, universities and schools. With 26 depots nationwide, we offer unrivalled choice from quality own brands to leading foodservice brands, ensuring variety and service excellence.

SOFTCAT

Softcat plc provide Government customers across the UK with a wide range of tech products and services from specialist Policing services via small UK based companies to cloud services from Microsoft and Amazon and everything in-between. We drive value for the taxpayer through our extensive buying networks and provide Government customers with rapid, compliant procurement routes to save admin time and overheads.

EAST OF ENGLAND CO-OP

The East of England Co-op is the largest independent retailer in East Anglia with over 200 Food stores, Travel branches, local Funeral Service branches and a security business across Suffolk, Norfolk, Essex, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire - thank you for all you do to support society and our communities.

For over 20 years, Salesforce has been a leader in delivering innovative customer experience solutions. In the last five years, we’ve focused on tailoring these capabilities to meet the specific needs of the Police sector.

Working closely with Police Forces, we are enhancing engagement with local communities to build trust and confidence while improving service delivery to the public. This partnership has led to the development of our Victim Journey solution, which proactively updates victims of crime on their case progress, keeping them informed at every stage. Not only does it reduce the number of enquiries to force control rooms, but it has also boosted customer satisfaction scores by an average of 15%, with improvements of up to 60% for specific crimes, such as burglary. In addition, our Citizen Portal empowers the public with 24/7/365 self-service access, further reducing demand on police resources.

Learn more about how Thames Valley Police and Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary modernised how victims report crime and track cases with The Salesforce Platform >> sfdc.co/tvp

The Ministry of Defence is increasingly committed to becoming a more diverse and inclusive organisation. This effort goes beyond a moral obligation; it is a strategic necessity. Prioritising intersectionality in Diversity and Inclusion efforts within Regular and Reserve Forces, directly enhances operational effectiveness by improving performance, fostering creative thinking, and reducing the risks of groupthink, whist increasing the probability of attracting and retaining diverse talent.

The Royal Air Force is actively working to dismantle historical institutional barriers and is focused on fair, non-discriminatory recruitment, while upholding its high standards. A more diverse RAF will be stronger, more innovative, resilient, and better equipped to address future threats.

With thanks to the organisations and individuals who have made this event possible:

Our hosts, speakers, panellists, sponsors, partners, exhibitors, delegates and the NBPA, Essex Constabulary, Darren Deex , Simon Miah and Colin Richards, MESA, and the onsite event team

Our venue: Radisson Blu

Our gala caterers: Taste Haven

Our event partners: NR Events and Peak Hire

Photography & Videography: James Busby and the College of Policing - Surinder Chana and Ian Thomas

Designer: Christian Holland C+H Collective Ltd

Entertainment Providers: U-turnships, Harlow Steel Band and Muzz Khan

Volunteers: Essex Police and Essex Police Cadets