Former PSA President, Chief Superintendent Gavin Thomas, has received an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list. Gavin, who retired in March this year, after serving as President for three years, has received the honour in recognition of his services to policing.
Gavin served as a Detective at every rank in Gloucestershire Constabulary, including Head of Crime and Protective Services and in a variety of areas including specialist crime, counter terrorism and as a Senior Investigating Officer. He has served as a Detective Chief Superintendent in Professional Standards and as an Area Commander.
He was active within the Association for many years, as both Branch and District Chair and Secretary. He was then elected as National Vice President in 2013, before becoming President in 2016.
During his time within the national team, Gavin has been extremely influential across the Police Service, representing senior operational leaders across England and Wales. He has influenced national policy and the standards of policing through 6 years of working with the Government, key stakeholders and holding key roles in the College of Policing, playing a pivotal role in helping the national wellbeing of officers, instigating training in safeguarding and driving visioning and future planning in the Service.
Alongside this, he has devoted significant personal time towards strengthening the national governance of the College of Policing, with his commitment to the Board and chairing key committee work. He has also continuously helped the police family through pivotal roles on police charities, including the Police Arboretum Memorial Trust and the National Police Memorial Day.
Gavin commented, “I am both honoured and humbled to receive this recognition. However, I am very conscious that there are many colleagues in policing who quietly and bravely, show daily commitment and a strong sense of duty to their communities. These are equally worthy of recognition, to celebrate their achievements too.
“It has been a privilege to serve Policing and the PSA for many years and I have taken every opportunity to do my best to make policing better for the workforce and the public.
“After 37 years, I have experienced many wonderful, and challenging things, but I honestly feel I have had the best job in the world, working with some outstanding and committed colleagues”
PSA President Paul Griffiths said, “I am absolutely delighted for Gavin. I have had the pleasure of working closely with him over the past three years and he has been a great source of support, guidance and inspiration. I have seen the passion and tenacity he has shown towards the care and development of our Service.
“On behalf of our members and national team, I send Gavin our warmest congratulations and wish him the very best in his well-earned retirement.”