Northants to get new fire chief but only if conclusion of investigation is ‘satisfactory’

After a fractious confirmation hearing earlier this week, the Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel recommended that Nikki Watson be appointed as Chief Fire Officer as long as the investigation by the independent police watchdog, the IOPC, is ‘satisfactory.’

The meeting of the panel took place on 20 February and as reported by Emergency Services Times, ended with the public being excluded from the meeting and no information provided about the outcome of the panel’s discussions.

On 22 February, the Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Stephen Mold confirmed that he had received the panel’s conditional recommendation to appoint the former Avon and Somerset Police senior officer. He accepted the recommendation and said he noted the panel’s comments in its report adding that they echoed his own commitment to the due diligence process.

In a report of the meeting, the panel summarised the discussion during the confirmation hearing including concerns about a former senior police officer being able to take on the role of chief fire officer.

‘At the same time, organisations could benefit from bringing in different types of people and fresh viewpoints. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service needed to change and improve in response to the findings of its last HMICFRS inspection. This process was underway. It was felt that Ms Watson’s experience and capabilities could contribute to taking it on further.’

The report goes on to say that the background to the proposed appointment had put Ms Watson in a ‘difficult position at the confirmation hearing’ commending her response ‘which in itself showed resilience.’

There is no date for publication of the outcome of the IOPC investigation. In the meantime, acting Chief Fire Officer Simon Tuhill continues to lead the service.

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