CBE honour for former Leicestershire Chief Constable

"I am truly honoured and deeply humbled to receive this CBE."

The Former Chief Constable of Leicestershire Police, Rob Nixon has been awarded a CBE in His Majesty the King’s New Year Honours List.

The honour is for services to policing and criminal justice, recognising Mr Nixon’s 32-year career in the force as well as his work as the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) lead for criminal justice.

Mr Nixon, who retired from his roles in March 2025, said: “I am truly honoured and deeply humbled to receive this CBE. The last few years working as both Chief Constable and the NPCC lead for criminal justice were hugely demanding but also incredibly rewarding. Every agency was under immense pressure with rising workloads, increasing complexity, the growing impact of digital evidence and the long-term effects of austerity which were all combining to place real strain on people and processes. Backlogs, prison capacity challenges and the need for frequent national Gold group meetings became part of daily life.

“But what stands out from me most from that period is the people I was very privileged to work with. This included exceptional colleagues across policing and the wider criminal justice system as well as partner services who were all deeply committed to keeping a stretched system working for the public.

“While I am proud to have played my part, achievements of this scale are never about one individual They depend on collective leadership, collaboration and goodwill beyond formal authority. I am hugely grateful to my fellow NPCC Chiefs and their teams, the Criminal Justice Chief Constables’ Committee, Director of Public Prosecutions Stephen Parkinson, Director General of Legal Delivery for the Crown Prosecution Service Grace Ononiwu, former Chief Executive of HM Prison and Probation Service Amy Rees and Chief Executive of HM Courts and Tribunals Service Nick Goodwin for their openness and partnership as well as my outstanding CJ support team Dom Holmes, Jonathan Dickens and Kim Morris whose commitment and professionalism were exceptional.

“I also want to thank the entire Leicestershire Police team for their constant support during a period that involved a great deal of time away and, most importantly, my family whose understanding and encouragement meant everything.

“To know that others have taken the time to recognise this contribution leaves me truly thankful and proud to have worked alongside so many dedicated people.

Since retiring, Mr Nixon has continued to raise funds in partnership with The Ian and Clare Mattioli Charitable Trust to refurbish the Memorial Garden at Police Headquarters which is dedicated to the memory of all officers who have lost their lives in the service of Leicestershire Police.  

Chief Constable at Leicestershire Police, David Sandall said: “Huge congratulations to our former Chief Constable Rob Nixon. His policing career and his outstanding national work as the NPCC’s lead for criminal justice has been built on public service, diligence, and the drive to make a positive difference.

“His commitment to the diverse communities of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and to also bringing change across the wider criminal justice system is something recognised by many partners and community leaders, and he should feel immensely proud of everything he has achieved and this national recognition.”