Minister agrees to widen the talent pool for appointment of next HMICFRS Chief

Earlier this year, PCC Rupert Matthews wrote to the Home Secretary regarding the forthcoming appointment of the next Chief Inspector of His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS).

In his letter, the PCC recommended that the next Chief appointed be someone who represents the public, rather than another Chief Constable or former inspector. The PCC also recommended that widening the pool of candidates, to ensure public trust and confidence that police scrutiny is not conducted by a closed circle of senior policing figures.

The PCC is delighted to report that in response to his letter, the Policing Minister has promised that:

“The role specification will be carefully written to reflect the key attributes for the role and ensure requirements do not exclude candidates from non-policing or fire backgrounds”.

In response, PCC Rupert Matthews said:

“I’m glad the Minister has acted on my call to ensure the recruitment process is open to the widest pool of talent possible. Ending the closed shop is a smart move. Oversight and scrutiny only works when it is both independent and trusted by the public.”

The full letter exchange can be found below: