In praise of… Kulbir Brar, on his retirement
This Friday marks the end of an era as Community and Diversity Officer Kulbir Brar retires from Thames Valley Police (TVP).
For more than 20 years, Kulbir has worked closely with Together As One, acting as the vital link between our organisation and TVP. Through times of great change, he has been the one constant, the trusted conduit for partnership work through a range of endeavours.
Over the years, at least seven Superintendents have passed through Slough. Each one found in Kulbir a guiding hand as they sought to navigate the complexities of a town as diverse as it is dynamic. Slough faces many of the same challenges as London, but without the same level of resources, and often, new leaders have been unprepared for its realities. Kulbir helped them understand the richness and complexity of the community, ensuring the police force became more culturally aware, competent, and responsive.
But Kulbir’s contribution went far beyond his official role. He worked hand in hand with our youth workers to proactively engage young people on issues of cohesion and policing. Always approachable, relatable and authentic, he became a positive face of policing, often in stark contrast to the experiences some young people had previously endured. He never hesitated to meet with seldom-heard communities, even when tensions or mistrust ran high. In schools, he addressed prejudice head-on, helping young people understand how their choices and behaviours could shape their futures.
Hate crime awareness posters displayed in Sri Guru Singh Sabha Gurdwara Slough, designed by young people, inspired by Kulbir (2013).
Kulbir also pioneered events to break down barriers between young people and the police. Among these was the innovative Slough Games, where young people and officers were mixed into competitive teams. This created opportunities to collaborate, compete side by side, and build bonds, helping both groups to see each other in a different light. Activities like these fostered respect, mutual understanding, and opened up possibilities for different relationships.
Young people from TAO participate in the Slough Games, Dorney Lake, 2012.
The trust we built with Kulbir during quieter times allowed us to respond with strength during moments of crisis. In 2011, during the riots, we worked side by side with him, holding daily meetings with young people to ensure dialogue with the police remained open, helping to ease tensions. Later, when the English Defence League came to Slough to sow division, it was Kulbir’s careful orchestration of partnership work that helped ensure the event passed peacefully, with barely an arrest.
Our CEO, Rob, recalls working alongside Kulbir through the Independent Advisory Group. At the start of each meeting, members signed a pledge to uphold the Nolan Principles: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership. Rob reflects that Kulbir embodied these values completely. He not only held himself to those standards, but also encouraged TVP and all of us to do the same.
Fellow IAG member and community activist, Shaida Akbar, also paid tribute: “Kulbir has been an absolute powerhouse of positive strength and infectious vibes for our entire Slough community – he had this extraordinary gift of beaming smiles even in the toughest of times. I wish him a bucketload of joy and warmth as he embarks on his retirement; he’s still got that youthful sparkle, and I’ve known him for a whopping 20 years!” Rev Linda Hillier recalls Kulbir’s capacity to bring groups together to resolve conflict and commented “I feel privileged to know him in his work and thank him for sharing his work with humour, care for all and a dedication to the diverse community of Slough. I hope he enjoys a long, contented and enjoyable retirement.”
Yet professionalism never overshadowed Kulbir’s personality. At one of the many youth events we hosted, young people asked local leaders to describe Slough in three words. Kulbir’s response? “Not that bad.” It was a light-hearted moment, but it captured his grounded, realistic perspective: acknowledging Slough’s challenges while also recognising its strengths and its unfair reputation.
Kulbir deserved a medal, and he received one. Despite his efforts to keep a low profile, he was recognised in the 2018 New Year Honours with the British Empire Medal (BEM) for services to community cohesion.
Kulbir, thank you for being a steadfast friend to Together As One. It has been a privilege to work alongside you, and to share in the journey of building a more cohesive community. We wish you every happiness in your retirement.