The University of West London (UWL) has awarded Parm Sandu an Honorary Doctor of Letters for her distinguished and impactful career in policing.

An experienced and dynamic leader with over 30 years of service in law enforcement, Parm has held the rank of Chief Superintendent and Borough Commander in the Metropolitan Police. Her career spans both uniformed and detective roles, with expertise in counterterrorism, firearms, public order, anti-corruption, community policing, crime prevention, and mental health.  

A vocal advocate for policy reform, particularly concerning violence against women and girls, Parm has driven significant societal changes within policing. She led crime prevention, inclusion, and engagement efforts, including safeguarding initiatives. She also spearheaded responses to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), forced marriage, and honour-based killings in partnership with media and police forces. Parm served as Borough Commander in Richmond, west London, driving operational and strategic initiatives. 

Currently serving as the CEO of the London Policing College, Parm leads initiatives to shape the future of UK policing through leadership development, strategic training, and policy reform. She is dedicated to fostering inclusive practices within law enforcement and is a recognised advocate for women and under-represented groups. A mentor, she believes in leading by example to inspire organisational change. Parm serves as an ambassador for domestic violence charities and is an Ambassador for the Women’s Interfaith Network (WIN) and Sharan, promoting women’s safety and empowerment. 

Parm is the author of ‘Black and Blue: One Woman’s Story of Policing and Prejudice,’ published in 2021. At the point of her retirement from the Metropolitan Police Service in 2019, she was the most senior BAME woman in the capital’s police force. She was also the only non-white female to have been promoted through the ranks from constable to chief superintendent in the Met’s entire history. 

Parm has supported UWL by helping develop its first BSc in Policing and Masters in Policing programmes and providing resources to support the delivery of its contract with Babcock Training through which more than 1,000 police officers have now graduated to serve in the Metropolitan Police.

“Parm Sandhu has had a distinguished and strategically impactful career in policing both in and out of uniform,” said Pro Vice Chancellor for People and Digital Adrian Ellison in his citation.

“She deserves this award for her resilience, unwavering commitment to justice and equality, her inspiration for future generations of leaders and her advocacy for police education here at UWL and beyond.”

“I want to offer you my warmest congratulations on your achievements,” Parm said to the graduands in her acceptance speech. “I encourage you to hold fast to your curiosity. The world needs your voice, your talents, and your ideas. Work with courage, compassion, and authenticity.”