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Having joined the Authority which has oversight of British Transport Police two years ago, former Home Office senior civil servant Tricia Hayes CB will takeover as Chair in March.
The Chair of the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA) is appointed by the Secretary of State for Transport following an open recruitment. Hayes succeeds Ron Barclay-Smith who has completed his second four-year term as Chair.
BTPA is responsible for ensuring an efficient and effective police force for the railways. It sets the objectives for the British Transport Police, recovers the costs from the railway industry and recruits senior officers and staff.
A former Permanent Secretary, and Home Office Director General for Crime and Policing, Hayes spent the majority of her career at the Department for Transport. The BTPA says she brings deep sector expertise and a lifelong passion for public service and public safety.
“I’m truly honoured to be taking on this important role. Ron has achieved such a lot during his eight years, and I’m committed to building on his work. Most of my working life has been spent on either improving transport or protecting the public, and this is a great opportunity for me to continue to be part of both these worlds.”
Tricia Hayes, Chair designate, BTPA.
She is currently Chair of London TravelWatch, the statutory transport watchdog for London, and serves on the Boards of Transport Focus and the Building Safety Regulator. She is also a member of the Advisory Panel at Baringa, a global management consultancy, and volunteers regularly with English Heritage.
Welcoming Hayes on her appointment, Ron Barclay-Smith said it had been a privilege to serve as chair for the last eight years, adding: “I’m immensely proud of the dedication shown by both BTP and the Authority during my tenure, particularly through periods of substantial challenge across the rail sector, and witness firsthand the outstanding work that is delivered every day.”
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