WINNER: Outstanding Leadership, Police Constable Nilufar Ali

PC Nilufar Ali demonstrates a clear passion for improving diversity and inclusion within the Birmingham Local Policing Area and takes personal responsibility for driving positive organisational change. She joined the force in 2019 via Police Now’s National Graduate Leadership Programme and later completed Police Now’s Frontline Leadership Programme, which supports outstanding constables to progress into leadership roles. 

Nilufar confidently stepped into the Birmingham West Diversity and Inclusion Co-Lead role in 2021, collaborating with officers of senior ranks to identify opportunities to create more inclusive cultures. Within this role Nilufar has raised awareness of the diverse experiences and issues affecting officers within the force, aiming to break down stigmas and encourage open and inclusive conversations. She has worked with colleagues to share personal stories around topics including mental health, narcolepsy, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder and share experiences of officers from different backgrounds including Black, Muslim and transgender officers. These officers were also celebrated during a force awards ceremony, to recognise their bravery for sharing their personal experiences.  

Nilufar also played an integral part in creating the first Birmingham ’Wellbeing Day’ for colleagues. The day provided an opportunity for colleagues to learn about mental health and wellbeing, involving guest speakers, group discussions and supplying information on further support available. There were over 100 attendees on the day who also provided key feedback that was communicated with senior leaders in the force. She has established relationships with multi-agency organisations including the Police Federation, Oscar Kilo, Birmingham MIND, Force Chaplains and internal force networks in order to better support staff in this area. She also networks with the Home Office and College of Policing to discuss ways that diversity and inclusion can be further incorporated into training new officers, particularly around the experiences of Black officers.

Addressing her fellow Police Now officers at the awards ceremony, PC Nilufar Ali said: “I encourage you all to take advantage of the opportunities available to you within policing, and especially within Police Now’s network. Through working collaboratively with your colleagues and taking the time to continuously develop as leaders, you really can make a difference within your roles. Collaboration and networking are key to help create impact and change within policing. This includes supporting and working with my colleagues internally, as well as with the public, to better support one another and create inclusive environments for all.”