Simon received the Queen’s Police Medal in the Queen’s Platinum Birthday Honours list to mark his profound impact representing the interests of disabled members of the Police Superintendent’s Association (PSA). He is also president of the national Disabled Police Association.
Simon was diagnosed with stomach cancer in 2004 and underwent a full stomach removal in 2006. Despite this, he recovered and proceeded to work as a firearms commander and public order commander during his 29 year career in the Sussex Police. He has held challenging operational roles leading departments and change programmes with multimillion pound budgets as well as senior responsibilities for high level incidents and events.
Furthermore, since being elected as president of the Disabled Police Association, he has worked to support the police service on wider diversity, equality and inclusion issues. In this work he has helped shape the way the police service approaches key issues such as national fitness testing, performance regulations and disability discrimination issues.
The number of PSA members identifying as disabled has trebled since his appointment to his PSA role reflecting the confidence of his colleagues in his ability to perform his roles.
He also undertakes voluntary work; is a founding advisory board member for the charity Cancer Central UK and is an experienced coach and mentor.