PC Fiona Shaik Umar of the Metropolitan Police Service has been presented with the Outstanding Contribution to Women in Policing Award at the Police Federation Annual Conference.

Sponsored by Boobydoo, the award recognises Fiona's exceptional commitment to supporting women in policing, improving representation and driving positive change for colleagues from underrepresented backgrounds.

Fiona has become a respected role model, using both her lived experience and professional expertise to champion inclusion and ensure women feel supported, valued and able to thrive within policing.

Raised in rural Ireland during a period of religious conflict, Fiona's experiences helped shape the values of resilience, compassion and justice that have defined her policing career. After embracing Islam in early adulthood, she joined policing to demonstrate to her daughters, and to other women and girls, that they can serve their communities with pride and integrity regardless of their background, faith or appearance.

As the first hijab-wearing officer within her policing area, Fiona has used her position to advocate for the needs of Muslim women in policing and help create a more inclusive culture across the service.

Working closely with recruitment teams, outreach programmes and women's networks, she has helped improve representation and accessibility while encouraging women from diverse backgrounds to consider careers in policing.

One of Fiona's most significant achievements has been her leadership in the development of the Hijab Project. Through her advocacy, appropriate uniform options were introduced, helping to ensure the needs of Muslim women officers and staff were recognised and respected. The work has played an important role in improving confidence, recruitment, retention and inclusion.

Alongside her operational duties, Fiona has dedicated countless voluntary hours to supporting colleagues. She has facilitated listening circles and provided one-to-one support to Muslim officers and staff, particularly during periods of heightened community tensions and global conflict.

Her work has also extended beyond the organisation. Through community engagement and outreach activity, she has strengthened relationships between policing and Muslim communities, helping to build trust, challenge misconceptions and inspire future generations of women to consider a career in policing.

Fiona's contribution has already been recognised nationally through a Special Recognition Award from the British Association for Women in Policing. Colleagues have described her as an exceptional role model whose courage, authenticity and commitment to inclusion continue to make a lasting difference.

In receiving the Outstanding Contribution to Women in Policing Award, Fiona was recognised not only for improving representation and influencing organisational change, but for empowering women to succeed without having to compromise who they are.

Her dedication, compassion and determination have helped create opportunities for others and made a lasting impact on colleagues, communities and the future of policing.

The Outstanding Contribution to Women in Policing Award recognises someone who has gone above and beyond to create opportunities, break down barriers and make policing a more inclusive profession for current and future generations.

It was established in memory of PC Nicola Hughes and PC Fiona Bone of Greater Manchester Police, who were tragically killed in the line of duty in 2012. Their courage and commitment continue to inspire officers across policing today, and the recipient's name will be added to the honours board at Federation House alongside previous winners.