Fed member awarded MBE in recent King’s Birthday Honours

30 June 2023

A Fed member who co-founded the West Midlands Police and National Sikh Police Association has been awarded an MBE (Member of the Order of the British Empire) in the latest King’s Birthday Honours List.

Sergeant Harvy Rai has told how he feels ‘very humbled’ to have received the award, which is given in recognition of an outstanding achievement or service to the community.

Harvy, who joined West Midlands Constabulary 29 years ago, played an integral role in the formation of the Force’s Sikh Police Association in 2013, before co-founding the National Sikh Police Association in 2019.

“I’ve always been a firm believer that representation and advocacy is important. I was finding that a number of my colleagues were coming to me, raising their concerns around discrimination. I was able to highlight and successfully escalate these and before I knew it, I had many other people voicing similar issues," said the father-of-two.

"When my colleagues come to me with concerns, I feel compelled to raise them. I knew I needed to do something about it, and that something was forming the West Midlands Sikh Police Association.”

As Harvy supported other forces to create their own Sikh Police Associations, he said he recognised the need to form a national branch, and so, in 2019, he helped launch the National Sikh Police Association at an event in Tally Ho, in Birmingham.

He continued: “I was chair of the West Midlands Sikh Police Association, and was elected president for the national branch while working as a neighbourhood sergeant - which together, took its toll. And so, after many discussions, it was decided that being president would become my full-time role.”

A Sikh policeman smiles while wearing a black turban and a white shirt

Harvy Rai has been awarded an MBE

Harvy explained that having a Sikh Police Association is fundamental to getting a better understanding of local communities, helping to build bridges between the police and members of the public.

He identified the difficulties members of the Sikh community had in highlighting hate crime via third-party reporting and so, in collaboration with other police bodies, has helped to develop 'Sikh Guard' - a specific reporting portal which was launched last year.

“Members of the public come forward and talk to us – these can be frank and often challenging conversations, the main thing is they’re communicating with us and voicing their concerns,” he added.

“And whatsmore, the association helps officers too. Having associations like this is fundamental when it comes to retaining members of staff. Say if somebody is having a down day, then they can speak to a like-minded person in the association. Whether that’s over a coffee or just having a chat, it can re-centre and stop them from thinking they’re on their own.”

Since joining the Force in 1993, Harvy has been vital in establishing and improving connections, within communities and building relationships with prominent leaders.

Speaking about receiving an MBE, he said: “It really is a huge honour, a big deal and a great privilege for anyone who receives a royal honour. I feel very humbled.

“I also want to congratulate my police colleagues who received recognition for their contribution and service, I'm sure their families like mine are very proud too.”

With his 30 years in service soon approaching, is Harvy preparing for a life outside of the police?

“It has been suggested that I continue,” he revealed.

“It’s all very up in the air at the moment but to be honest, for now, I can’t see myself totally giving up policing. There is a lot of work that still needs to be done.”