Sir Andy Marsh has been announced 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. The former College of Policing chief executive has over 30 years of policing experience, having joined Avon and Somerset Police in 1987 and rising to senior leadership roles including Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary and Avon and Somerset Police.
Sir Andy has led significant reforms across policing, including improvements in professional standards, leadership development, and the use of technology and evidence-based practice. He was awarded the Queen's Police Medal in 2018 and was knighted in 2024 for services to policing.
The announcement follows a fair and open recruitment process, conducted in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments. Crime and Policing Minister, Sarah Jones, said that Sir Andy Marsh has extensive experience at the highest levels of policing and is the right person to take on this vital role.
Sir Andy Marsh said that it is a privilege to be named as preferred candidate at what is a pivotal moment for policing and fire. He stated that his focus will be on the issues that matter most to our communities and on making sure the people doing this vital work have everything they need to do it well.