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President's awards honour exceptional achievements



Outstanding work by Superintendents across the country in leading complex murder and terrorism investigations, mentoring and developing colleagues, and championing LGBT community issues and has been recognised in this year’s Police Superintendents’ Association President’s Awards.

The awards, sponsored by Police Mutual, are presented at the Association’s annual conference.

Judged by the President and Vice President of the Association, 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 – Superintendent Nora Holford, Thames Valley Police

The force’s longest-serving Superintendent, Supt Holford has held some of the biggest and most demanding roles within the force as well as a tactical firearms commander, public order Silver Commander, and an accredited Senior Investigating Officer. She has given significant support to her colleagues in force and across the service, both through the Association and as a qualified coach and mentor.

She has supported the Association’s command resilience work to understand and help improve the health and wellbeing of Superintendents, and developed the ‘Be A Better Superintendent’ toolkit. A passionate advocate for difference and diversity, Supt Holford has been candid and courageous in describing her own experience, and generous with her time to help other women develop and progress in their careers.

  • Leadership – Chief Superintendent Stuart Noble, Lancashire Constabulary

As Gold for Operation Manilla, the response to fracking, Ch Supt Noble has led the most significant, sustained and resource-intensive operation the constabulary has run. This is alongside his main role.

As Head of Operations he has managed significant changes to the operating model for the force’s uniformed assets while supporting staff through it. He also  successfully led the merger of two large Basic Command Units (BCUs) and in doing so built strong relationships with the Blackpool Unitary Authority and with businesses in the area.

He mentors aspiring female Inspectors and Chief Inspectors and has worked hard to set up and secure funding for an evidence-based peer support group in the force.


  • Excellence in Policing –Temp Chief Superintendent Simon Barraclough, GMP

 Ch Supt Barraclough led the investigations into the Manchester Arena terrorist attack and the murders of PCs Fiona Bone and Nicola Hughes.

He also led the investigation into a series of poisonings at Stepping Hill Hospital, one of the biggest and most complex inquiries in the history of the force. It led to the conviction of a nurse who received 25 life sentences, and changes in national policy on nursing registration.

In 2004 he led a team of officers in Thailand after the Boxing Day tsunami. Working in temporary mortuary facilities in hot and humid conditions, the team worked on the identification of more than 2,000 victims of the disaster.

  • Valuing Difference – Chief Superintendent Belinda Davies, South Wales Police

Ch Supt Davies has been instrumental in championing LGBT rights for many years and has been at the forefront of initiatives to build relationships between LGBT communities and the police.

She has also supported and mentored colleagues in the force, recognising the impact a police career has on people’s families as well as the officers themselves.

She has been ranked 15th on the Pinc list, which identifies the 40 most influential LGBT people in Wales

  • Panel of Friends – Superintendent Jon Dodman, Suffolk Constabulary

As a member of the  Panel of Friends, Jon supports colleagues who are going through the disciplinary process.

A member he has given support to said: “Without Jon’s unwavering support, I honestly don’t know how I would have survived. He was there throughout. I don’t think he realised how much this meant. It makes all the difference in the world.”

Jon combines his Friend work with an demanding day job as Head of Norfolk/Suffolk Operations.


Chief Superintendent Gavin Thomas, President of the Association, who presented the awards, said:

“It is always an honour to judge and to present these awards. 

“Judging and presenting these awards is one of the highlights of my role as President. 

“All the winners are wonderful examples of how our members dedicate themselves to their colleagues, to their forces and above all to improving policing for the public. 

“I am delighted to recognise these colleagues for their commitment, and proud that similar hard work and professionalism is being shown day in, day out, all over the country.” 

Chief Executive of Police Mutual, Stephen Mann said:

 “Police Mutual is proud to be sponsoring the President’s Awards once again. 

“As policing becomes ever more challenging and complex, these awards are reflective of the dedication and professionalism shown by Superintendents across the country in supporting their colleagues and keeping the public safe. 

“At Police Mutual, we are honoured to be able to show our appreciation. Congratulations to all of the winners and nominees”.

You can see videos about the winners on our YouTube channel.