Crime Commissioner launches search for the next Merseyside Police Chief Constable

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner has started the process of recruiting the next Chief Constable for Merseyside Police.

Jane Kennedy is inviting applications from candidates to take responsibility for leading the Force following the announcement on Friday (22nd January) that Andy Cooke QPM is to retire as Chief Constable of Merseyside Police to take up a new appointment, details of which will be released in due course.

The Commissioner is looking for an outstanding individual who has the experience, drive and skill to lead the best performing urban police force in the country and who can continue to shape the future of policing on a regional and national level.

Potential candidates will be expected to demonstrate strong leadership skills coupled with integrity, commitment and clear strategic thinking. They will need to communicate a strong vision for the Force, ensuring they can maintain and strengthen Merseyside Police’s reputation as one of the most dynamic and forward-thinking forces in the country. The successful candidate will be expected to be an influential ambassador for both the force and the region.

The closing date for applications is 5pm on 19th February 2021, with interviews and assessment, including a media exercise, taking place on the week commencing 1st March 2021. With the assistance of an interview panel including senior national police figures, the Commissioner will then announce her preferred candidate for the position.

The appointment process will then be reviewed by Merseyside’s Police and Crime Panel, who will also hold a confirmation hearing to assess and confirm the suitability of the candidate.

Jane Kennedy said:

“Following the announcement that Andy Cooke QPM is leaving his post, I now have the responsibility of securing the appointment of the next leader of Merseyside Police. It is critically important that a big, busy police force like Merseyside has certainty about its future direction. It falls to me to deliver that certainty to the best of my ability.

“With uncertainty still surrounding the date of the election of the next PCC, and the ongoing challenges of the Covid-19 epidemic, it is important that we find Andy Cooke’s successor quickly. This is essential to give the entire organisation and its workforce the stability and direction it needs.

“Merseyside Police is renowned for leading the way in delivering excellent policing and I am looking for another exceptional individual who has the energy, ambition and expertise to fill the large shoes left by the departure of Andy Cooke.

“The successful candidate will need skill and experience to navigate the complex and evolving policing landscape to ensure Merseyside Police remains one of Britain’s top performing forces. It is what the public of Merseyside expect.

“The new Chief Constable will need to have the influence and gravitas to maintain and strengthen the force’s reputation locally, regionally and nationally and be a powerful ambassador for our region.

“Andy Cooke has been a first-class Chief Constable and is recognised as one the most experienced and knowledgeable police chiefs in the country. He will certainly be a tough act to follow, but I am looking for a replacement who is equally exceptional and who has the skills, personal attributes and ability to lead this fine Force.”

Applicants must have passed the Senior Police National Assessment Centre and successfully completed the Strategic Command Course. Both UK police officers and holders of senior rank in designated overseas police forces are eligible.

The appointment will be on a five-year fixed term basis and the salary, which is determined by the Secretary of State following consideration by the Police Remuneration Review Body, is £177,120.

More details and the application form can be found at www.merseysidepcc.info/CCRecruitment