Committee publication · Report · 17 July 2026 · HC 514
1st Report – Pre-appointment hearing: His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Authorities
From: Home Affairs Committee
Inquiry: Pre-appointment hearing: His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Authorities
Government response deadline: 17 September 2026
Summary
This is the Home Affairs Committee's First Report of Session 2026–27, documenting its pre-appointment hearing scrutiny of Sir Andy Marsh QPM, the government's preferred candidate for His Majesty's Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Authorities. The committee concludes that Marsh possesses the professional competence and personal independence required and supports his appointment to this five-year, £226,289 per annum role.
Key findings
- Sir Andy Marsh QPM, currently Chief Executive of the College of Policing, has been named as the government's preferred candidate following a recruitment process launched on 9 March 2026 with closing date 7 April 2026.
- The committee questioned Marsh on his independence, professional competence, and ability to execute key responsibilities including statutory duties, leadership of HMICFRS, and role as senior spokesperson.
- Person specification requirements amended during consultation to explicitly include 'impartiality' alongside integrity; Housing, Communities and Local Government Committee consulted on fire and rescue provisions following departmental restructuring in April 2025.
- Marsh disclosed that his wife is Chief Fire Officer for Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service; Advisory Assessment Panel noted deconfliction would be straightforward and he committed to formal recusal from related inspections.
- Committee noted Home Office failed to launch recruitment until the month departing Chief Inspector stepped down, requiring interim HMCI appointment; recommended future timing to avoid such gaps.
Recommendations
- Home Office should time recruitment exercises for important public appointments to avoid the need for interim appointments in future.
Tone
ProceduralTopics
Key actors
Sir Andy Marsh QPM, Dame Karen Bradley, Home Office, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Sir Andy Cooke QPM DL, Michelle Skeer OBE QPM, College of Policing, Richard Clarke
Notable line
“We are satisfied that Sir Andy Marsh QPM has the professional competence and personal independence required for the post of HM Chief Inspector …”
Key Quotes
“We are satisfied that Sir Andy Marsh QPM has the professional competence and personal independence required for the post of HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Chief Fire & Rescue Inspector.”
“It is unclear why the Home Office did not launch the recruitment process to identify a new HMCI until the month Sir Andy was leaving his post.”
“My motivation is to use the influence and role of HMICFRS to improve both fire and policing services through stronger performance and greater trust.”
“I will protect and enhance the independence of the role and the institution by the way in which I conduct myself and the way in which I will expect those I work alongside to conduct themselves.”
Source · parliament.uk record ↗