Superintendents from across the country have been celebrated and recognised for their outstanding policing at this year’s Police Superintendents’ Association’s President’s Awards.
 
The winners have received their awards for work in policing excellence, championing diversity, leadership and for outstanding long service.
 
The awards, sponsored by Police Mutual, are presented at the association’s annual conference, this year held in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
 
Judged by the association’s national team, they recognise the achievements of superintendents and chief superintendents and the contribution they make to policing, to their colleagues and to the public.

This year’s winners are:

·        Lifetime Achievement – Detective Chief Superintendent Rob Fordham, Kent Police

Rob, who serves as divisional commander in the west of the county, received the award in recognition of his impact and dedication across almost thirty years of Service to Kent Police and collaboratively with Essex Police.
 
 It was noted that his leadership, clear direction and delivery has been outstanding in diverse areas. Rob has led on knife crime operations, guiding work to prevent, disrupt and catch criminals within organised crime groups involved in county lines and drug dealing and has latterly led neighbourhood policing teams.  Rob has been described as having an exceptional career as an established senior detective, and is an exemplary leader and a role model to others.

Rob could not attend the event so received the award in advance from PSA National Secretary Dan Murphy.

·        Leadership –Superintendent Julia Pope, Sussex Police

Julia, who serves as lead for Operation Apollo, leading the police response to Covid-19, received the award in recognition of her outstanding leadership, dedication and commitment to policing throughout the pandemic.
 
 Julia led Sussex Police’s operational response to the health crisis, later taking on a lead role for both Surrey Police and Sussex Police, delaying her retirement to continue her vital leadership.

·        Excellence in Policing –Superintendent Jim Baker, West Mercia Police

Jim, who serves as the Telford Divisional Commander, received the award in recognition of his proactive work towards building relationships with marginalised communities in the area.
 
Jim has worked to ensure independent advisory groups are truly representative of the communities in which they are based and worked as part of a ‘trusted panel’, empowering community leaders and partners to feel valued and heard. 
 
 Jim has been key in building dialogue and relationships during high profile incidents. His commitment to valuing difference means he works tirelessly to build sustainable, trust-based relationships with diverse communities – even during the most difficult of times.

·        Valuing Difference – Chief Superintendent Lisa Hogan, Cumbria Police

Lisa received the award in recognition of her influence and impact which has led to enhanced diversity within the workforce.

Lisa’s review and development of the force promotion and leadership programme led to an increase in under-represented officers achieving the rank of sergeant and encouraged more under-represented officers into the force on attachment up to the rank of superintendent. 

 

She has worked in collaboration with 10 forces to support women’s attraction, recruitment, retention and progression and led on the Diversity, Equality and Inclusion Strategy to ensure Cumbria Police is an employee of choice. Lisa’s work has been nationally recognised by the National Police Chiefs’ Council as best practice.

Chief Superintendent Paul Griffiths, President of the Association, who presented the awards, said:

“Once again, it has been deeply humbling to read the many fantastic nominations for this year’s awards, which highlight the incredible work of our members. 
 
 “It is my great honour to be presenting these awards in my final year as president, and to share our pride and thanks with each of the winners for the difference they are making to our service.
 
 “As senior operational leaders, our members deal with the highest levels of threat, harm and risk facing the public and are responsible for major projects, national initiatives and operational policing within their force. As demonstrated by our award winners, the impact they can make on their colleagues and for the public is quite significant and we thank them on behalf of our association.”

 

Police Mutual Head of Partnerships, Kerry McMahon White said:

“Police Mutual have sponsored the President’s award for a number of years and are extremely honoured to be sponsoring this award once again. 
 
 “We have been in a period of unprecedented times over the last 18 months, therefore this year, these awards are even more important to highlight the focus, dedication and professionalism shown by Superintendents across the country in supporting their colleagues and helping to keep the public safe.
 
 “Police Mutual is extremely proud to be a part in recognising Superintendents across the country. 

“Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees.”

Photo credit: Si Barber