‘Exceptional’ chief constable sought for Police Scotland

Police Scotland’s current chief constable, Sir Iain Livingstone QPM, announced his intention to retire in the summer of 2023 at a meeting of the SPA last month.

The SPA is now advertising for an “exceptional” police leader who can build on the effectiveness, operational competence and achievements of Scotland’s police service while ensuring that it adapts to meet growing and increasingly complex challenges.

Martyn Evans, chair of the SPA, who will lead a panel to appoint Sir Iain’s successor, said: “The chief constable of Police Scotland is one of the most significant policing roles in the UK.

“Ten years on from police reform we can look back on the last decade with conviction, knowing that efforts and challenges have delivered a service that is better than anything that preceded it. A solid foundation exists for that reform and improvement to continue.

“Police Scotland has a dedicated workforce and commands strong public support. The next chief constable must build on that support as the service continues to adapt to meet the needs of Scotland’s communities.”

The deadline for applications is Friday April 28. The SPA expects to announce a successful candidate in June 2023.

The current salary for the role will be £232,452 and there will be no bonus payable, said the SPA.

This will be a fixed-term appointment for a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years.

The appointment process has been tested and approved by the SPA’s People Committee.

A selection panel, which will be chaired by Mr Evans, will include: SPA member Fiona McQueen CBE: Joe Griffin , Director-General of the Scottish government; Angela Scott, chief executive of Aberdeen City Council; and Martin Hewitt QPM, outgoing chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council .

Craig Naylor, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, and Lynn Brown OBE, chief executive of the SPA, will be advisers to the panel and observe its discussions with candidates.