APPOINTMENT OF FIRST WOMAN INSPECTOR OF CONSTABULARY

27 May 2002 11:43 AM

Kate Flannery has been appointed as one of Her Majesty's Inspectors of Constabulary, Home Office minister John Denham announced today.

Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary (HMIC) is responsible for examining the efficiency and effectiveness of the Police Service in England and Wales. Inspectors advise Ministers and the Home Office, carry out inspections and share knowledge with police forces and authorities. HMIC also contribute to the selection process for senior appointments.

Kate Flannery is the first woman to be appointed to the role of Inspector. Her remit will include looking at the methodology and evaluation of Basic Command Unit Inspections and HMI Inspections, Best Value Reviews, non- race diversity issues, and youth offending. She will also be responsible for joint activity with other Inspectorates (especially those working within the Criminal Justice system), and issues arising from the police reform agenda.

Home Office minister John Denham said:

"I am pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Flannery as Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary. Kate has a wealth of useful and relevant experience which will be put to good use in her work as an Inspector.

"HMIC have an important role to play in monitoring and raising police standards, and I am confident that Kate will make a valuable contribution to that work."

The appointment has been approved by The Queen.

NOTES TO EDITORS

1. Since 1856, Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Constabulary has been responsible for examining the efficiency and, since, 1995, the effective performance of police services in England and Wales.

2. The apppointment creates a new, additional Inspector's post within HMIC. The position does not require regionally based inspections.

3. The Inspectorate team led by Sir Keith Povey QPM, the Chief Inspector, consists of Mr Dan Crompton CBE QPM, Mr David Blakey CBE QPM DL, Mr Peter Winship CBE QPM, Mr Robin Field-Smith, and Kate Flannery.

4. Biographical Notes

Kate Flannery is 47 years old and has held the post of Assistant Inspector of Constabulary for almost 2 years while on secondment from the Audit Commission.

As Associate Director of Public Services Research at the Commission, Kate oversaw value for money studies in policing, community safety, probation, housing, transport and regeneration. She led several major reviews of policing, including crime management and patrol.

Prior to joining in the Audit Commission, Kate specialised in economic development and education, working for local authorities and in management consultancy. She qualified as a public sector accountant in 1984 and holds an honours degree in politics from the University of Warwick.