Southwell Doctor of Philosophy and expert on technology ethics made MBE in Queen's Birthday Honours list
A woman who has devoted herself to researching and advising on the ethical implications of new technologies in policing, criminal justice and national security has been made an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Dr Marion Oswald, of Southwell, is among hundreds of exceptional individuals to be commended.
Dr Oswald, 52, has advised on the ethics of facial recognition technology — an important matter affecting the privacy of everyday people — and recently joined a committee at New Zealand Police where she has researched the impacts of various technologies on the native Māori population.
Having grown up in Southwell and attended the Minster School, Dr Oswald has gone on to work at the Alan Turing Institute as a senior research associate in safe and ethical artificial intelligence.
“It is a real honour to be awarded an MBE, especially on this particular year of the jubilee — I was completely humbled by it,” said Dr Oswald.
“It was a big surprise when the letter arrived — a very nice surprise, of course.
“It’s great to feel that you have been recognised for the work you do. I’m sure everybody feels like that.”
Dr Oswald has also advised on new technologies that aim to detect when crimes may happen, who by and whether that individual may become more violent or possess weapons like guns and knives.
“This is really sensitive stuff we are looking at and it’s hard to do some of the work sometimes as it’s taking responsibility on that could have some serious implications if they go wrong,” she said.
“There’s a lot of people engaged in my area who are also doing amazing work and I’d like to acknowledge them.”
Her research has been cited in the House of Commons, House of Lords, European Parliament and various media outlets.
Dr Oswald chairs the West Midlands Police and Police and Crime Commissioner data ethics committee, which is the first of its kind in the UK, and oversees and advises on ethics from start to finish.
She also sits on the advisory board for the Centre for Data, Ethics and Innovation, where she is responsible for assessing how best to build ethical technologies.
Nottinghamshire Police’s Deputy Chief Constable Rachel Barber was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal for distinguished service.
DCC Barber, who joined the force as Deputy Chief Constable in April 2017, is described as one of the most supportive leaders of police employee well-being and an exemplary role model.
It also acknowledges her leading roles in the blue light collaboration between the force and Nottinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service, and in helping to increase diversity within the force.
The citation says: “Her exceptional leadership has really promoted staff well-being in both organisations at a time of exceptional challenge throughout covid ahead of the formal move into a shared headquarters.
“The way she leads has delivered joint savings which have helped to protect respective front lines, it has delivered a co-location of training, a joint drone unit, a new approach to occupational health and a joint estates management approach.
“Her strategic influence and communication style have enthused politicians, cemented relationships at the strategic level and has tangibly made a difference to the wellbeing of employees.
“This outstanding member of the chief officer team exemplifies the epitome of the Queen’s Police Medal, she is an exemplary role-model.
“She is also a long-standing national trustee of the Police Treatment Centres, including the St George’s Police Children Trust which supports officers, staff and the children of seriously injured or deceased members.
“Nationally she is acclaimed for ‘carrying the room’ through several challenging fiscal and operational events within the charity which exemplifies her acumen, compassion and focus upon securing the very best outcomes for those she serves.”
DCC Barber said: “I am extremely humbled, surprised and honoured to receive this award.
“I am immensely proud of the progress Nottinghamshire Police has made and continues to make.
“To see the influx of so many new officers and staff from diverse backgrounds has been one of the most rewarding moments in my career and to be able to train them in our new combined headquarters building is the icing on the cake.
“It is really important to me and the service that our staff are supported and equipped to deal with the significant challenges they face and so using my influence to improve this offer has been an important ambition for me.
“Throughout my time in Nottinghamshire I have had the unwavering backing and support of my Chief Constable, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the wider chief officer team and I have been privileged to work alongside many dedicated staff and officers who have played a significant part in the force’s achievements. This award is as much for them as for me.”
Chief Constable Craig Guildford said: “On behalf of the entire force I’d like to congratulate DCC Barber for receiving this prestigious award.
“I am delighted that her dedication and significant contribution to policing and public service in Nottinghamshire has been recognised.”
Gemma Elizabeth Pearce, of Newark, has been made an OBE for her services to innovation and diversity at the Coal Authority.
