Simon Nelson is a highly experienced leadership expert with over 35 years of working in the public sector. His distinguished police career was disrupted when in 2004 he was unexpectedly diagnosed with stomach cancer. After undergoing chemotherapy and having life-changing surgery to remove his stomach, Simon returned to the police force. As someone with lived experience of disability, Simon’s return to work and continuous progression is truly inspirational. He excels at discussing topics such as bouncing back, leading with a difference, and managing diverse teams and disabilities among others.
Since returning to the police force, Simon became public order and firearms commander before being promoted to Superintendent. His experience with disability inspired Simon to become a role model as a respected leader with a difference, to encourage and support others with diverse abilities. This led to him joining the Police Superintendents Association National Executive as their lead for disabilities. Later Simon was elected as the President of the Disabled Police Association in 2020, alongside being an active operational commander.
In recognition of his exceptional journey and his great work as a leader and role model, Simon was honoured at the Queens Platinum Jubilee Birthday. He was included on the honours list and was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal.
Well known for his knowledge, passion, and humour, in addition to his thought-provoking approach, Simon is a highly influential figure at national and online conferences, especially on the topics of national diversity and equality and inclusion strategies. Moreover, as a highly knowledgeable blogger, mentor and coach, Simon expresses his philosophy of no such thing as normal and highlights the importance of including those who are untypical to form diverse and productive teams.
How to hire Simon Nelson
Contact the Champions Speakers Agency to provisionally enquire about hiring Simon Nelson for your next event, today. To get in touch, simply call an official booking agent on 0207 1010 553 or email us at [email protected] for more information.
** We do not accept requests for autographs, signed merchandise, fan mail, birthday messages or any other non-commercial contact with the speakers or acts. Each speaker on the website may not have necessarily worked with Champions in the past but are known to perform such engagements within the industry.
Simon Nelson's official speaking topics include:
- Leading and managing diverse teams
- Leading with difference
- Disabilities – the untapped capacity and capabilities
- Managing the needs of individuals, teams, and the business
- Shaping positive workplace cultures
- Supporting needs and understanding intersectionality, to build talent
- Bouncing back – how do we define ‘resilience’.
‘Diversity is complex and yet Simon helped me to make sense of it.’ – Conference delegate.
‘After hearing his life experiences I’m going to stop sweating the small stuff!’ – Conference delegate.
‘Simon challenged us to consider our thinking – he was supportive in getting us to become comfortable with feeling uncomfortable about what needs to change.’– National Senior Leadership seminar delegate.
‘I had a better understanding of what needs to happen and why we might have been unsuccessful until now.’ – Senior police leader
- 2020 - President of Disabled Police Association
- 2020 - National Police Disability Tactical Lead, Sussex Police
- 2018 - Advisory Board Member for Cancer Central
- 2013 - Chief Inspector, Sussex Police
- 2012 - Temporary Superintendent, Sussex Police
