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The Home Secretary has confirmed Sir Andy Marsh QPM as the government’s preferred candidate for the role of HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in England and Wales and Chief Inspector of Fire & Rescue in England.
He is currently chief of the College of Policing taking on that role since 2021 after a 30+ year career in policing including heading up two forces in England. This announcement comes months after Sir Andy Cooke ended his five year term earlier this year; former Cumbria chief Michelle Skeer has held the post on an interim basis since then.
The HMICFRS appointment is subject to scrutiny by the Home Affairs Select Committee to verify that the recruitment meets the principles set out in the Governance Code.
Commenting on the announcement, the Crime and Policing Minister, Sarah Jones, said: “Sir Andy Marsh has extensive experience at the highest levels of policing. He is the right person to take on this vital role as we deliver the most ambitious reforms to policing in two centuries and help shape the future of the fire sector.”
Sir Andy said it is a privilege to be the preferred candidate at what he called “a pivotal moment for policing and fire.”
Once the Home Affairs Select Committee has met on 14 July, it will publish its recommendations, which the government will consider before deciding whether to finalise the appointment.
Read our interview with the previous HMI here – Sir Andy Cooke reflects on five years as chief inspector.
