A dedicated Leicestershire Police officer who was awarded the prestigious Force Diversity Award in 2024 is now a strong contender for a National Diversity Lifetime Achiever Award.
DC Yassin Desai, who has been a driving force behind Leicestershire Police’s groundbreaking Hijab Project, was nominated for the national accolade by Superintendent Helen Brear, Head of Recognition at West Yorkshire Police, in recognition of over 25 years of commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
Picture credit: Leicestershire Police
The Hijab Project, a pioneering initiative designed to provide Muslim female officers with an operational uniform that respects religious and health and safety requirements, has been in development for nearly two decades. Initially addressing a gap in uniform provision for Muslim officers in Leicestershire, the project has grown into a nationally recognised model through a key partnership formed in January 2023 with De Montfort University.
“We wanted to create a uniform that officers could wear proudly — one that met their religious needs, comfort, and health and safety standards,” explained DC Desai. “After extensive research, international visits, and trials — including a licensing agreement with New Zealand — we developed a patented design now registered under the Blue Light Hijab (BLH) brand. This design is set to become a commercial product, initially for Leicestershire Police officers but with plans for national and even international adoption.”
The project’s success has garnered widespread interest beyond policing, with private sector organisations exploring the BLH as suitable workplace attire for Muslim women, reflecting the project’s broader impact on diversity and inclusion.
This initiative is just one part of DC Desai’s extensive career-long dedication to EDI, including founding the Association for Muslim Police in Leicestershire in 2009 and advocating for prayer room provisions and religious accommodations within the force.
“Equality and diversity have been the golden thread throughout my career,” said the officer, who also emphasised the importance of diverse recruitment in enriching the police service’s connection to the communities it serves. “I have always aimed to be a critical friend within the organisation — helping it to support officers better and represent the community more effectively.”
Leicestershire Police has established itself as a leader in diversity, having launched the country’s first multi-faith prayer room in 2005. It continues to break new ground with the Hijab Project, which has attracted national media attention.
Starting out in corporate development and strategy within the force, DC Desai has also earned commendations for investigative work as a detective since 2009. However, the recognition for his EDI efforts represents a significant and “humbling” milestone he says.
“To receive this recognition after 25 years of balancing these projects alongside my day job is incredibly motivating,” he tells Pukaar. “It’s a reminder that perseverance pays off and encourages me to keep pushing for positive change.”
The results of the National Diversity Lifetime Achiever Award are expected by the end of June with a ceremony planned for September.
To find out more about the National Diversity Awards, visit: https://www.nationaldiversityawards.co.uk/
