Two new Deputy Chief Constables of Police Scotland appointed
The Scottish Police Authority has today (Thursday, 29 February, 2024) announced the appointment of two new Deputy Chief Constables to Police Scotland.
Alan Speirs, current Temporary Deputy Chief Constable, and Bex Smith, Assistant Chief Constable, both with Police Scotland, will take up their new permanent posts on Monday 11 March.
The appointments follow a robust selection and recruitment process and fill vacancies following the retirement of Fiona Taylor earlier this month, and the impending retirement of Malcolm Graham in April 2024.
The appointments have been made by the Authority in accordance with the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012.
Martyn Evans, Chair of the Authority and the Selection Panel who interviewed candidates for the role, announced the appointment saying:
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Alan Speirs and Bex Smith to the rank of Deputy Chief Constable with Police Scotland.
“Both officers have a wealth of senior and operational skills and experience to support the Chief Constable to lead and drive the next important phase of police reform.
“I was struck by the quality of senior officers we have in Police Scotland as we went through this very demanding selection process. We are very fortunate to have such a cadre of talented and professional police officers in Scotland.”
Chief Constable Jo Farrell said: “I congratulate Bex and Alan on their promotions. They are outstanding leaders and I’m grateful to them for stepping forward as we progress a new phase of police reform.
“I thank all the high-quality candidates who participated in a competitive and rigorous selection process.”
Two vacancies at the rank of Deputy Chief Constable with Police Scotland were advertised across the UK from 1 December 2023 until 31 January 2024.
The roles were open to all applicants who met the statutory eligibility criteria.
The assessment process for shortlisted candidates included:
- A policing professional peer review
- Psychometric testing
- Facilitated discussions with an external stakeholder panel which included representatives of the public, private and third sectors.
- A final interview with the selection panel.
The appointment panel was chaired by Martyn Evans, Chair of the SPA and included:
- Jo Farrell, Chief Constable of Police Scotland
- Alasdair Hay, Board Member of the Scottish Police Authority
- Uzma Khan, Vice Principal for Economic Development and Innovation and Deputy Chief Operating Officer (Governance),Independent Member
Craig Naylor, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland observed discussions with candidates.
The Authority is responsible for appointing Police Scotland’s Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constables and Assistant Chief Constables, as required by the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012.
As Deputy Chief Constables of Police Scotland, postholders will earn a salary of £203,717. The appointments will be for a fixed term of 4-years with the possibility of extension in accordance with legislation.
The Scottish Police Authority will launch a recruitment process for Assistant Chief Constables in March to fill the vacancies presented by these promotions.
Biographies of Chief Officers are available within the Executive Team section of the website.
