Andy Marsh named new CEO of College of Policing

Mr Marsh will begin his new role in September. Also joining the college’s board is Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, the Metropolitan Police Service’s head of specialist operations.

Nick Herbert (Lord Herbert of South Downs), College of Policing chair, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Andy to his new role as CEO. This is a hugely important time for policing and Andy is an exceptional leader who brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience.

“The police service faces great challenges and increasingly complex demands, requiring the highest standards of professionalism and leadership. The college has a critical role to play in equipping officers and staff with the skills and knowledge they need to protect the public. Andy’s leadership and experience will prove invaluable to the college as we strengthen our relationship with the front line and renew our efforts to improve policing.

“I look forward to working with Andy to deliver reform through our fundamental review, to ensure the College works most effectively to support the service in its mission to reduce crime and keep people safe.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel also welcomed the new CEO: “Beating crime and delivering safer communities across the UK is our priority. The College of Policing is pivotal to the training and development of our police officers nationwide to ensure they have the skills and experience to tackle crime.

“Andy will lead the college with strong professional standards and shape the support and training for the new generation of police recruits. I look forward to seeing our growing number of police officers supported to operate at the high standard that the British public expect.”

Mr Marsh first joined Avon and Somerset Constabulary as a new recruit in 1987, and later took on operational and detective roles. As a detective sergeant, he helped to reshape the force’s approach to the way major crime was investigated. He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in 2018. He was appointed chief constable in February 2016 and retired last month.

He said: “I’m looking forward to joining the brilliant people at the college to help lead the organisation in a renewed mission to support and improve policing.

“Officers and staff face complex, dangerous and difficult situations every day and it’s important they have the right skills and knowledge to be able to carry out their roles to protect the public. More broadly, it is vital the service has the right leadership at all levels and is truly inclusive to allow policing to deliver for all our communities.

“Policing has changed dramatically over my career and it will go on changing. The college has a critical role to play in helping policing stay ahead of these changes by setting standards, identifying what works, as well as supporting the development of leadership at every level.

“It’s important that we build on the excellent work done so far, to play an even more active role in the future, giving officers and staff the support they deserve to enable the provision of policing that the public need and expect.”

Lord Herbert, commenting on the appointment of Mr Basu, said: “I’m also really pleased to welcome Neil to the college board. His range of experience in some of the most challenging areas of policing will help steer the college strategically, as we seek to add the most value to the front line.’

Mr Basu has been in policing for 29 years and has national responsibility for counter-terrorism policing. He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in 2016.