Pre-appointment hearing: HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services
The Home Affairs Committee will hold a pre-appointment hearing with the Government’s preferred candidate for HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services. The Government’s preferred candidate for the role is Andrew Cooke QPM DL, who in a 35-year career as a police officer began as a constable in Merseyside and ended with five years as Chief Constable of the same force.
Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary, Fire and Rescue Services is responsible for assessing and reporting on the efficiency and effectiveness of police, fire and rescue services. It carries out inspections to identify areas that need improvement, and what is working well, at a local and national level.
Likely areas of questioning
A pre-appointment hearing is an opportunity for a select committee to scrutinise the quality of ministerial decision making over appointments. It will also assess the candidate’s suitability for their appointment, including their knowledge, skills and independence. The Committee will then publish a short report on the proposed appointment in the days following the session.