Search launched for new Police Scotland chief constable

The Scottish Police Authority (SPA) has launched its recruitment process to find a new chief constable to replace Sir Iain Livingstone.

It comes with a £232,000 salary, in line with Sir Iain's current pay deal.

The SPA said it was seeking an "exceptional" leader for Police Scotland. It is a fixed-term role lasting between two and five years.

Sir Iain is due to retire after almost five years in the post, with his replacement to be announced in June.

Police Scotland, which was formed 10 years ago, has a workforce of around 22,500 and a budget of more than £1.35bn.

A selection panel made up of policing leaders and Scottish government officials will evaluate candidates.

SPA chairman Martyn Evans, who will lead the panel, said: "Ten years on from police reform we can look back on the last decade with conviction, knowing that efforts and challenges have delivered a service that is better than anything that preceded it.

"A solid foundation exists for that reform and improvement to continue."

Mr Evans added that the force had a dedicated workforce and commanded strong public support.

He said: "The next chief constable must build on that support as the service continues to adapt to meet the needs of Scotland's communities."

The SPA advertisement states that the UK's second-largest force is looking for a chief constable who can build on the "effectiveness, operational competence and achievements of Scotland's police service".

It concludes: "This is one of the most significant, challenging and rewarding policing leadership roles in the UK and internationally. It is also one of the most important public leadership roles in Scotland.

"For the right candidate, this unique job offers an unparalleled opportunity to make a positive difference to people's lives and to help shape Scotland's future."

The deadline for applications is Friday 28 April.

Meanwhile, the Scottish Police Federation has submitted pay claims for 2023-24, as well as what it sees as a shortfall for 2022-23.

General secretary of the federation David Kennedy said police pay had "fallen 15% behind inflation since 2006", the first year since 1980 it had not been linked to a national average.

The organisation is asking for an increase of 8.5% to basic pay for 2023-24.

It also wants a commitment to enter a pay level check to consider and compensate the special features of the police, and for police pay to be linked to an average pay index from 1 April 2024.

"Police officers cannot take any form of industrial action and we have seen other groups of workers achieve better pay rises and offers following strike action or threats of strike action," Mr Kennedy said.

The police federation in England and Wales is pursuing a 17% increase.