Fed member and aspiring leader wins national award

29 November 2023

A West Midlands Police Federation who has received a national leadership award is determined to make a positive contribution to policing.

Nilufar Ali has been recognised at this year’s Police Now’s Alumni Impact Awards for championing diversity and inclusion within the Force.

Police officer Nilufar received an award for Outstanding Leadership having thrived in the role of Birmingham West Diversity and Inclusion Co-Lead in 2021, two years after joining the Force via Police Now’s National Graduate Leadership Programme.

“Growing up in an ethnic minority community, I felt there was always a very negative attitude and mistrust towards policing,” said 28-year-old Nilufar.

“I am determined to change those attitudes. That is my driving force. I want to drive change, I want to build confidence in policing within all communities.

Nilufar Ali has been recognised at this year’s Police Now’s Alumni Impact
Awards for championing diversity and inclusion within the Force.

“I want to engage with communities and have those much-needed positive interactions.”

Internally, Nilufar wants to make a change too. She has worked hard to raise awareness of diverse experiences and issues impacting officers across the Force, encouraging colleagues to share personal stories around a number of topics, including mental health.

Those officers were then celebrated during an awards ceremony to recognise their bravery for sharing their personal stories.

Nilufar was also paramount in creating the first ‘Wellbeing Day’ for her West Midlands colleagues, giving officers the opportunity to learn about mental health.

The day involved guest speakers and group discussions, with the 100-plus attendees provided with vital information in case they required further support.

Nilufar continued: “I’m really passionate about raising awareness of mental health and wellbeing in the Force.

“Just because we are in the police doesn’t mean we aren’t human beings. And often it feels like physical injuries are accepted but because mental health conditions are invisible, they don’t exist.

“I wanted to celebrate the journeys so many of our officers have been on - to show others that it doesn’t matter who you are, you each have your own, authentic story.”

In addition, Nilufar has worked hard to establish relationships with key stakeholders, including West Midlands Police Federation and Oscar Kilo, as well as internal networks within the Force.

Speaking about her award, Nilufar said: “I’m incredibly proud that the work I’ve done has been recognised.

“I’m working really hard to help make changes internally, which can be one of the biggest battles. So to have won this award means a lot - in fact, I was surprised to have been nominated, let alone win.”

Looking forward, Nilufar says her main focus is to continue to have an impact and inspire others.