Derbyshire PCC appoints Simon Blatchly as acting chief constable
Simon Blatchly has been appointed acting chief constable of Derbyshire Constabulary following the retirement of Rachel Swann.
Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts confirmed the appointment, which comes during what the force has described as a particularly demanding operational period ahead of a chief constable recruitment process expected to conclude in early 2027.
Mr Blatchly has served as deputy chiefcConstable in Derbyshire since 2022, leading on operational policing, organisational culture and force performance. He is also a Gold Public Order and CBRN commander and holds national policing responsibilities for surveillance, working with the National Crime Agency and security partners, as well as leading nationally on motorcycles and BikeSafe for the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
The appointment comes at a time when many forces across England and Wales are facing significant operational and financial pressures, alongside increasing scrutiny over performance, standards and public confidence ahead of upcoming inspections by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services.
According to the PCC’s office, Derbyshire Constabulary will also be preparing for its next PEEL inspection cycle while continuing work on operational performance and future budget planning.
Prior to joining Derbyshire, Mr Blatchly spent much of his career with Northamptonshire Police in a range of operational, crime and intelligence roles. He also served internationally with the United Nations in Iraq, Liberia and New York, leading policing and national security work connected to peacekeeping missions. He was awarded an OBE in 2018 for services to international policing.
Derbyshire now joins a number of forces currently operating with temporary chief officer arrangements prior to appointing a full-time chief.
Ms Ndiweni-Roberts said the interim appointment would provide “consistent strategic direction, strong operational oversight and organisational resilience” during the leadership transition.
She said: “I’m well aware that this is a particularly busy and demanding period for Derbyshire Constabulary, and it is essential that we have a strong, experienced leader in place to provide stability and clear direction.”
Paying tribute to Ms Swann, the PCC added: “I would also like to place on record my sincere thanks to our outgoing chief constable, Rachel Swann, for her outstanding public service, unwavering commitment to policing and keeping our communities safe.”
Mr Blatchly said it was “a privilege” to lead the force in the county he calls home. “Over the coming months there will be a number of significant pressures for the force to contend with, however, I know that the staff and officers across the county will continue to help ensure dangerous criminals are put behind bars, safeguard vulnerable victims, and work with partners to ensure that Derbyshire remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”