South Wales Police CFO honored at Cardiff Met graduation

Umar Hussain MBE, Chief Financial Officer at South Wales Police, has been awarded an Honorary Fellowship by Cardiff Metropolitan University.

With 15 years at South Wales Police, following Finance Director roles in Lincolnshire Police and Gwent Police, Umar provides strategic direction, control and advice on all financial matters within the force.

Speaking on receiving an Honorary Fellowship, Umar said: “I am surprised but delighted to have been nominated to receive an Honorary Fellowship from Cardiff Metropolitan University. It has taken me right back to the days of my secondary school, where leaving school with some A Levels was the exception. Unfortunately, I was among the majority that left with none. Along the corridors of my school were plaques with the names of pupils who went on to become university graduates, something that felt beyond reach at the time. Which is why being recognised in this way by such a prestigious University feels extra special.”

As a member of the Business in the Community (BITC) Leadership Board, Umar is passionate about ethical procurement and sustainability – the latter being one of Cardiff Met’s strategic priorities.

David Llewellyn, Chief Officer at Cardiff Met said: “Umar is a seasoned finance professional with an impressive track record. He’s had a long and distinguished career with the police, having worked for three different police forces. Umar was also a member of Cardiff Met’s Board of Governors for six years up to 2021 and made a significant contribution to the setting and implementation of Cardiff Met’s strategy which has led to significant improvements to the sustainability and reputation of the university.

“It is a great honour to present Umar with an Honorary Fellowship award and we look forward to working with him further in the future.”

Umar Hussain shared some of his career experience to graduating students, saying: “I know throughout your careers you will face dilemmas, some of which will be on career progression. I have found that given a choice between learning more or earning more, learning more was the better long-term choice. Set yourself a career milestone each decade and remember, that having got this far is already a fantastic achievement but what awaits you could be greater still.”