‘Exceptional leader’ sought as Police Scotland DCC announces her retirement
Police Scotland Deputy Chief Constable Designate Fiona Taylor has announced she will retire in the New Year and recruitment is now underway for her replacement.
The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) said it is now advertising for an “exceptional police leader” to join Police Scotland’s executive team and support the chief constable to shape the next important phase of policing in Scotland.
Martyn Evans, chair of the SPA, who will lead a panel to appoint the deputy chief constable said: “This is a significant leadership role in the second largest police force in the UK.
“As we look towards the next important part of our journey, we are looking for a deputy chief constable with commitment, energy, and ideas to support the chief constable.”
Chief Constable Jo Farrell paid tribute to Ms Taylor, who has had a “distinguished policing career” across the UK and has been Police Scotland’s deputy chief constable for five years.
Ms Farrell said: “Fiona is an outstanding leader with a distinguished career in public service with Lincolnshire Police, Lothian and Borders Police, Strathclyde Police and the Metropolitan Police Service.
“We should all be grateful that Fiona returned to policing in Scotland as a deputy chief constable in 2018. She played a vital role in building and achieving the stability and improvement of Police Scotland during Sir Iain Livingstone’s leadership as chief constable.
“As DCC for Professionalism, Strategy and Engagement, Fiona has led the service through significant challenges and has relentlessly driven a focus on standards and values with immense personal integrity.
“On a personal note, I thank Fiona for her work as DCC Designate, leading the service in the immediate period after Sir Iain retired and ensuring a smooth transition to my command. I’m grateful for her warmth in welcoming me to Police Scotland.
“On behalf of Police Scotland, I thank Fiona for her leadership and public service. She will be a huge loss and sorely missed.”
During her five years with Police Scotland Ms Taylor commanded Local Policing and also led Professionalism, Strategy and Engagement. She took overall command of Police Scotland during the period between Sir Iain Livingstone’s retirement in August and Ms Farrell taking up the chief constable post in October.
The deadline for applications is 12 noon on Friday January 5. The SPA expects to announce a successful candidate in March 2024.