New inspector announced at HMICFRS
A former chief fire officer is to take up the dual role of Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary in England and Wales and Inspector of Fire and Rescue Authorities in England.
Roy Wilsher, who will take up his new role at Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services (HMICFRS) in the autumn, will primarily oversee inspections in the eastern region, covering fire risk assessments across the East Midlands and East of England. He will be the first chief fire officer to be appointed as an inspector at HMICFRS.
Throughout his career, Mr Wilsher spent almost 40 years working in the fire and rescue service. He started his career in the London Fire Brigade in 1981, where he rose to assistant commissioner, before going on to join Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service in 2004. He served as the chief executive for the police and crime commissioner for Hertfordshire for four years.
Mr Wilsher later became the inaugural chair of the newly formed National Fire Chiefs’ Council (NFCC) in 2017. The NFCC is the professional voice of the UK fire and rescue service, and Mr Wilsher’s role involved providing support to firefighters and staff, giving professional advice to Fire Service Management Committee, and working with the Home Office and devolved administrations.
He was appointed OBE in 2007 and was awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal in 2013.
Mr Wilsher is currently serving as an independent advisor to the Home Office on fire policy. He will leave this role before taking up his appointment at HMICFRS.
Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “I’m pleased to welcome Roy to this important role, where he will play a vital part in ensuring that our police forces and fire and rescue services provide the excellent service that the British public deserve.
“Roy has amassed a wealth of experience from many roles across the fire service – from the guidance and support he’s provided to officers, to his role in advising the Government during major incidents and I know he will be an excellent addition to HMICFRS.”
Mr Wilsher said: “I am extremely proud to be appointed by Her Majesty to the Inspectorate. I have always looked to improve public services for the benefit of all our diverse communities and will look to do the same in this role.
“I am really looking forward to working with new colleagues and want to pay tribute to my predecessor, Zoë Billingham. Zoë has done an excellent job and will be a hard act to follow.”
