King’s Birthday Honours: OBE for modernising chief financial officer after decades of service to policing

One of South Wales Police’s chief officers has been recognised with an OBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

Umar Hussain, the force’s chief finance officer, receives the honour after almost 18 years in the role and a career dedicated to improving policing. He previously worked for Gwent Police and Lincolnshire Police.

He has talked about his shock at being recognised – as well as his gratitude at being nominated by colleagues.

Mr Hussain, who was awarded an MBE a decade ago, has been a driving force behind South Wales Police’s focus on modernising many aspects of its work, such as mobile technology and facial recognition. He has also led on projects to share resources with partner organisations, including a tri-force firearms training complex shared with Gwent Police and Dyfed-Powys Police, and the joint police and fire control room at South Wales Police HQ.

The founder of Ystadau Cymru (Public Sector Estates Wales), Mr Hussain has been a governor and chair of the audit committee at Cardiff Metropolitan University, is a member of the National Police Chiefs’ Council committee on finance, and is chair of the All-Wales Procurement Board.

A founding member of the South Wales Black Police Association, a national mentor to chief officers, a creator of ethical procurement processes in Welsh policing, and a supporter of colleagues across the sector, he has also worked tirelessly to support under-represented officers and staff to overcome any barriers they may face.

Reflecting on being included in the King’s Birthday Honours list a decade after receiving an MBE, he said:

"It was a genuine surprise 10 years ago, as I had no expectation then – who does? – of receiving an MBE. So you can imagine the shock now 10 years later.
"I feel a huge sense of gratitude and respect for colleagues who nominated me and the Honours Committee for their consideration and support.
"As I approach 30 years of public service to policing, I know all too well how much help and support I have had from Team SWP in undertaking this role, for which I am and will always remain immensely grateful.
"I feel this honour is for them as well – and on that basis, I am happy to take this one for the team!"

Chief Constable Jeremy Vaughan said:

“I am thrilled that Umar has been recognised – he thoroughly deserves this honour, and it reflects the incredible commitment and dedication he has shown.
“On a personal level, Umar is a much-valued friend and colleague, and I have benefited greatly from his support and his wisdom. I know countless others will say the same.
“I have also seen first-hand, and I am extremely grateful for, how hard he has worked to drive productivity and efficiency – all of which has done huge amounts to improve the service we provide to the communities of South Wales.”