New BTPA chair appointed at ‘critical time’ for railway policing
A former RAF officer has been appointed the new chair of the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA).
Ron Barclay-Smith will hold British Transport Police to account for the next four years once his contract begins on March 5.
Mr Barclay-Smith served in the RAF Regiment from 1972 to 1991 and took part in three operational tours in Northern Ireland.
Since then he has held various chief executive roles in the legal and health sectors and currently works as a non-executive director at the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority.
He replaces Mark Phillips, who has led the BTPA since former chair Esther McVey stepped down in May 2017 to contest the general election.
Mr Barclay-Smith said: “I am delighted to have been appointed and I look forward to working closely with colleagues and staff at the authority, the chief constable and officers of the BTP, and the many stakeholders involved in the railway system in our country.
“This is an exciting time for the railways as passenger numbers increase and a huge modernisation and development programme takes place.
“It is therefore a critical time for policing on the railways, and we need to ensure that investment is targeted in the right areas and front-line policing is sustained and supported effectively.”
