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Andy Marsh announced as new CEO of College of Policing

Former Avon and Somerset Chief Constable Andy Marsh has been appointed as the new CEO of the College of Policing
Published - 12/08/2021 By - Chloe Livadeas

The College began looking for a replacement for Mike Cunningham more than a year ago when he announced he was standing down in June 2020. The interim lead, Bernie O'Reilly, has been in the post since November 2020. 

CC Marsh, who announced he would be leaving Avon and Somerset in February this year, will commence the role in September. The CEO position comes with a salary of £170,000pa.  Mr Marsh will be working alongside Nick Herbert, the former Tory police minister, who was appointed in January this year as college Chair.

Lord Herbert said he was “delighted” to welcome CC Marsh to his new role. “This is a hugely important time for policing and Andy is an exceptional leader who brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience,” he said.

“The police service faces great challenges and increasingly complex demands, requiring the highest standards of professionalism and leadership. The College has a critical role to play in equipping officers and staff with the skills and knowledge they need to protect the public.

“Andy’s leadership and experience will prove invaluable to the College as we strengthen our relationship with the frontline and renew our efforts to improve policing.

“I look forward to working with Andy to deliver reform through our fundamental review, to ensure the College works most effectively to support the service in its mission to reduce crime and keep people safe.”

Andy Marsh joined Avon and Somerset in 1987 and later took on operational and detective roles. As a detective sergeant he helped to re-shape the force’s approach to the way major crime was investigated. He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in 2018.

In July this year, CC Marsh retired from his role as chief constable of Avon and Somerset, a role he’d held since February 2016. Before that he was chief of Hampshire Constabulary.

He faced criticism last year when officers in his force stood back when Black Lives Matter protesters in Bristol removed a statue of slave trader Edward Colston, with the Home Secretary Priti Patel allegedly having “firm” words with him over his decision not to intervene.

Today, Ms Patel said: “Beating crime and delivering safer communities across the UK is our priority. 

“The College of Policing is pivotal to the training and development of our police officers nationwide to ensure they have the skills and experience to tackle crime. 

“Andy will lead the College with strong professional standards and shape the support and training for the new generation of police recruits. 

“I look forward to seeing our growing number of police officers supported to operate at the high standard that the British public expect.”

CC Marsh said: “I’m looking forward to joining the brilliant people at the College to help lead the organisation in a renewed mission to support and improve policing.

"Officers and staff face complex, dangerous and difficult situations every day and it’s important they have the right skills and knowledge to be able to carry out their roles to protect the public. 

“More broadly, it is vital the service has the right leadership at all levels and is truly inclusive to allow policing to deliver for all our communities.

He went on to say: “Policing has changed dramatically over my career and it will go on changing.  The College has a critical role to play in helping policing stay ahead of these changes by setting standards, identifying what works, as well as supporting the development of leadership at every level.  It’s important  that we build on the excellent work done so far, to play an even more active role in the future, giving officers and staff the support they deserve to enable the provision of policing that the public need and expect.”

John Apter, Chair of the Federation, called his leadership style “inclusive and progressive”. 

“For this reason, I believe Mr Marsh’s appointment is good news for policing.  This is a great opportunity for the College of Policing to show its relevance to my members.  I am looking forward to continuing our long-standing relationship when he starts this new role.”

Paul Griffiths, President of the Police Superintendents' Association, said: "He brings a huge amount of experience as a previous Chief Constable of two forces.  As the College implements the findings of the fundamental review, Andy will play a key role in developing a College that is forwarded looking, relevant and supportive of the Police Service.  I look forward to working with him as President of the Police Superintendents’ Association and as a member of the College Board.”

It was also announced today that Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu QPM, the Metropolitan Police Service’s head of specialist operations, will be joining the College of Policing’s Board.

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