Sir Andy Marsh announced as preferred candidate for HM Chief Inspector

The College of Policing (CoP)'s chief executive has 30 years' policing experience, including leading significant reforms in professional standards, leadership and technology.

Today, the Home Secretary confirmed that Sir Andy Marsh QPM is 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 (HMCI).

Sir Andy has been Chief Executive of the CoP since September 2021.

The CEO joined Avon and Somerset Police in 1987 and rose to senior leadership roles such as Chief Constable of Hampshire Constabulary and Avon and Somerset Police.

Sir Andy has led significant reform 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 recommendation follows a fair and open recruitment process, conducted in accordance with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.

Sir Andy Marsh called it a “privilege to be named as preferred candidate” at a “pivotal moment for policing and fire”.

He continued: “I’ve spent my career alongside the dedicated officers and staff who work every day to keep the public safe, and I know first-hand the difference the right leadership, standards and support can make.

“My 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.”

Pre-appointment scrutiny by the Home Affairs Select Committee (HASC) will follow shortly, which is an important part of the process for some of the most significant public appointments made by ministers.

It is designed to provide an added level of scrutiny to verify that the recruitment meets the principles set out in the Governance Code.

If Sir Andy’s appointment is finalised, he will succeed HMCI Michelle Skeer OBE QPM, who has been in post on an interim basis since the departure of HMCI Sir Andy Cooke QPM DL in April 2026.

Following a pre-appointment hearing on 14 July, HASC will publish their recommendations, which the government will consider before deciding whether to finalise the appointment.

Crime and Policing Minister, Sarah Jones, added: “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.

“I would like to thank Michelle Skeer for her leadership of the Inspectorate since April.”