Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced the appointment of Roy Wilsher OBE QFSM as a new inspector of police and fire and rescue services at the HMICFRS.

Mr Wilsher will be the first Chief Fire Officer to be appointed as an inspector at HMICFRS.

He will take up the dual role of Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary in England and Wales and Inspector of Fire and Rescue Authorities in England. He will primarily oversee inspections in the eastern region, covering fire risk assessments across the East Midlands and East of England.

He replaces former senior police officer Zoë Billingham who is leaving HM Inspectorate in September having worked there for 12 years, 

Mr Wilsher spent almost 40 years working in the fire and rescue service although he served as the Chief Executive for the police and crime commissioner for Hertfordshire for 4 years.

He is currently serving as an independent advisor to the Home Office on fire policy. He will leave this role before taking up his appointment at HMICFRS.

Home Secretary, Priti Patel said: “I’m pleased to welcome Roy to this important role, where he will play a vital part in ensuring that our police forces and fire and rescue services provide the excellent service that the British public deserve.

“Roy has amassed a wealth of experience from many roles across the fire service – from the guidance and support he’s provided to officers, to his role in advising the government during major incidents.”