Nottinghamshire Police’s Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Barber has today been included in the Queen’s Jubilee Birthday Honours list in recognition of her ‘exceptional leadership’.
DCC Barber, who joined Nottinghamshire Police as Deputy Chief Constable in April 2017, has been awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for distinguished service.
Her citation describes her as ‘one of the most supportive leaders of police employee wellbeing’ and an ‘exemplary role model’.
It also acknowledges her leading roles in the blue light collaboration between Nottinghamshire Police and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service and in helping to increase diversity within the force.
The citation adds: “Her exceptional leadership has really promoted staff wellbeing in both organisations at a time of exceptional challenge throughout Covid ahead of the formal move into a shared headquarters.
“The way she leads has delivered joint savings which have helped to protect respective front lines, it has delivered a co-location of training, a joint drone unit, a new approach to occupational health and a joint estates management approach.
“Her strategic influence and communication style have enthused politicians, cemented relationships at the strategic level and has tangibly made a difference to the wellbeing of employees.
“This outstanding member of the chief officer team exemplifies the epitome of the Queen’s Police Medal; she is an exemplary role-model.
“She is also a long-standing national trustee of the Police Treatment Centres, including the St George’s Police Children Trust which supports officers, staff and the children of seriously injured or deceased members.
“Nationally she is acclaimed for ‘carrying the room’ through several challenging fiscal and operational events within the charity which exemplifies her acumen, compassion and focus upon securing the very best outcomes for those she serves.”
DCC Barber said: “I am extremely humbled, surprised and honoured to receive this award.
“I am immensely proud of the progress Nottinghamshire Police has made and continues to make, more recently alongside colleagues in Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, and that I’ve been able to be part of that journey.
“To see the influx of so many new officers and staff from diverse backgrounds has been one of the most rewarding moments in my career and to be able to train them in our new combined headquarters building is the icing on the cake.
“It is really important to me and the service that our staff are supported and equipped to deal with the significant challenges they face and so using my influence to improve this offer has been an important ambition for me.
“Throughout my time in Nottinghamshire I have had the unwavering backing and support of my Chief Constable, the Police and Crime Commissioners and the wider Chief Officer Team and I have been privileged to work alongside many dedicated staff and officers who have played a significant part in the force’s achievements. This award is as much for them as for me.”
DCC Barber added: “For the past six years I have also been honoured to be a trustee of the Police Treatment Centres and Police Children’s Charity (formerly St George’s Police Children’s Trust) and have been able to support and champion the excellent work they do on behalf of the service.
“This has been a real privilege and the whole centre team and fellow trustees are inspirational in their commitment to ensure they support those on the front line.”
