Michelle Skeer appointed interim head of HMICFRS
The former chief constable of Cumbria Constabulary, Michelle Skeer OBE QPM, has been appointed as His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services on an interim basis. She will take up the role in April 2026, bringing with her 36 years of combined experience across policing and fire & rescue.
Ms Skeer joined HMICFRS in 2023. As His Majesty’s Inspector, she has overseen inspections of police forces and fire & rescue services across the north of England, and has held national responsibility for inspecting domestic abuse, child protection and police engagement with women and girls.
She will be the first woman to hold the position of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.
She succeeds Sir Andy Cooke, who leaves office later this month. The appointment process for a permanent chief inspector is being managed by the Home Office.
In 2018, she was the first woman appointed to the role of Chief Constable at Cumbria Constabulary. Nationally, she has held the role of Vice Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council and led the management of violent and sexual offenders.
In 2017, she received the Queen’s Policing Medal for distinguished service. In 2019, she became President of the British Association of Women in Policing. She was awarded an OBE in the King’s 2023 Birthday Honours List.
Ms Skeer said: “I am honoured to be appointed to this important role at a pivotal time for police forces and fire & rescue services. The inspectorate plays a vital role in identifying problems early, supporting sustainable improvements and promoting best practice. I look forward to building on the strong foundations established by Sir Andy Cooke.
“I am committed to making sure HMICFRS continues to provide independent, evidence-based oversight, firmly focused on ensuring the public receives the service they expect and deserve. Our work is essential to making communities safer.”
Sir Andy Cooke said: “Michelle is an outstanding choice for this role. She brings 36 years of combined experience across policing and fire & rescue, and in her time as HM Inspector she has led on some of the biggest challenges policing faces today, such as child protection and violence against women and girls.
“I have every confidence that Michelle will build on the work we have done together at His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) to identify problems early and support sustainable improvements. The inspectorate is in good hands, and I wish her well as she takes up the role next month.”