New chair of Scottish Police Authority confirmed

She has been acting as interim chair since last month following the departure of Martyn Evans, who concluded his term in office on January 31.

The appointment was confirmed by Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Home Affairs Angela Constance MSP, who said: “I am delighted to appoint Fiona McQueen as chair of the SPA, which is without doubt one of the most significant roles in Scottish public life.

“Having served on the board for the last four years, including becoming vice-chair last year and a short period as interim chair following the departure of Martyn Evans, Fiona clearly has the understanding of Scottish policing that the role requires, as well as the skills to manage the board as it scrutinises and supports Police Scotland.

“Furthermore, Fiona’s time as Chief Nursing Officer for Scotland, a key Scottish government post during the Covid-19 pandemic, gives me confidence that she will be able to maintain strong and positive relationships with a range of bodies with an interest in policing and justice more generally. I look forward to working closely with Fiona for the next four years.”

Ms McQueen, who joined the SPA in April 2021, said: “Policing is a vital public service, delivering an outstanding service in the most challenging circumstances.

“I am delighted to be appointed as chair of the Authority and I look forward to continuing to work with Board members, stakeholders, and the leadership teams across policing, to further enhance and support policing in the years to come.”

Her career spans three decades of executive public sector leadership, primarily across the health system and latterly within the civil service.

Ms McQueen’s appointment will be for four years, commencing on April 7.