Lord Nick Herbert, who was Theresa May’s policing and crime minister, is returning to the sector to become the new Chair of the College of Policing.

As minister, he championed the abolition of Police Authorities and the creation of Police and Crime Commissioners as their replacement.

He takes over from interim Chair Christine Elliott, who was in post since march last year and is credited with strengthening the scrutiny applied by the board.

As chair of the Board Lord Herbert will be paid pro rata based on an  annual salary of £135k for working 1-2 days a week on a three-year appointment.

It is part of a major shake-up at the College which is currently looking to appoint a new Chief Executive following the retirement of Mike Cunningham.

Lord Herbert served in the May administration which delivered many of the austerity cuts to the Service and made changes to the criminal justice system that were controversial at the time

The Home Secretary, Priti Patel, on announcing the appointment, said: I welcome Nick as the new Chair of the College of Policing – he will bring with him a wealth of experience and knowledge of policing and the criminal justice system.

"The College of Policing plays a vital role in delivering the training that makes our police force the best in the world, and is playing a crucial role in the recruitment of 20,000 additional police officers.

"I would like to extend my thanks to Christine for her part in leading the College through the challenging demands on policing in 2020."

Lord Herbert said: “I drove the formation of the College nearly a decade ago because l believe it has a vital role to play in promoting leadership, setting standards and supporting the drive to reduce crime.

"I think it's timely to begin with a fundamental review of the College, its effectiveness and place in the policing landscape. I want to ensure that the College fulfils its mission and is highly valued by every section of policing, from officers on the frontline to Chief Constables and Police and Crime Commissioners.

"This is a demanding time for policing but also an exciting one as we recruit 20,000 new officers. With new forms of crime and the advance of technology, it has never been more important to ensure that we have a well led, highly trained and skilled service.”

National Police Chiefs’ Council Chair, Martin Hewitt, said: “This appointment comes at an important time both for policing and for the College. Police officers are front and centre of the national response to Coronavirus which means their professionalism and the standards they work to are firmly in the public eye.

“I look forward to working with Nick to ensure the College continues to develop its offer, building the evidence base for what works in policing and helping officers continue their professional development.”