Nigel 'Nobby' Goodband has been awarded The Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE), for services to policing.
Nigel is amongst the police officers, staff and volunteers who have been recognised in the New Year's Honours List. The
MBE recognises an outstanding achievement or service to the community which has had a long-term, significant impact. The citation for Nigel's honour reads: "His down to earth style, humour, impressive knowledge, trailblazing operational accomplishments, steadfast sense of justice, permanent smile and ability to somehow find time for everybody, leads him to be universally admired."
Nigel Goodband said: "I am speechless - which is unusual for me - nonetheless I am honoured and very proud to receive such recognition. Policing for me has genuinely been a job like no other and I have worked with some of the very best officers and staff that a police service can offer. I suspect without their dedication to duty, support, and courage, my efforts would not have been recognised in this fashion, so I am extremely grateful to those I have worked with over the years.
"I cannot put into words what this honour means to me and my family. I am so proud of my time served in both the British Army and in British Transport Police and to receive this honour is unquestionably the highlight of my career."
Nigel Goodband joined British Transport Police in January 1991 having served eight years in the 1st Battalion Irish Guards. He worked in London, Manchester and Liverpool, operating in mainly the CID proactive and reactive teams and the National Intelligence arena. During his career he was involved in some major investigations including murders and derailments.
Nigel was a trained National Interview Advisor for major and serious crime. He received several Chief Constables' and Area Commanders' commendations relating to murder and manslaughter investigations, a Judge's commendation for his part in the Tebay rail incident investigation and a commendation from a coroner relating to his role and report on the Grayrigg investigation.
Chief Constable of British Transport Police, Lucy D'Orsi said:
"Nobby served a trailblazing career with BTP, which included investigating the force's first ever court-contested murder case and establishing a model for investigating major incidents alongside our partners.
"Alongside these incredible achievements, he worked tirelessly to represent BTP officers through the BTP Federation and was elected National Chair in 2016.
"Nobby dedicated his working life to serving and helping others, bringing about change and supporting everyone who needed assistance, advice or support. He should be very proud of his honour and we are very proud of him."
It was while serving in Liverpool, that Nigel first became a Federation Representative. He became the Chair of the North-West Area Committee before taking on the role of Deputy National Chair. In February 2016 he became the National Chair and was re-elected in March 2021. He stood down from the role when he retired in August 2022.
Stuart Cowan, Chair of BTP Federation and Nigel's successor, said:
"On behalf of the British Transport Police Federation, I'd like to congratulate Nobby on this fantastic news. This is great reward for the years of dedication that he has given to policing and our Federation.
"Carrying out the roles he has required an inordinate number of sacrifices and yet Nobby did this without hesitation. His strong values and love for policing is there for all to see and I can't think of anyone more suitable to showcase the best in policing than him.
"Nobby has had an incredible career and latterly with the Federation has done some monumental work. I know that he was often embarrassed when it was said that he was leaving a great legacy behind. Despite that being true, he was at pains to ensure it was seen as a team effort. I'm delighted that this is something for him that he can enjoy with his cherished family.
"I can say nothing else other than I'm bursting with pride for him and I hope that he enjoys every moment of this."