The Scottish Police Authority has today (Thursday 30 May), announced the appointment of three new Assistant Chief Constables to Police Scotland.
T/ACC Stuart Houston, Chief Superintendent Catriona Paton and Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland, all currently serving with Police Scotland, will take up their new posts on 10 June 2024.
The appointments follow a robust selection and recruitment process and fill vacancies following the appointment of Alan Speirs and Bex Smith as Deputy Chief Constables and the retirement of ACC Davie Duncan.
Martyn Evans, Chair of the Authority, and the Selection Panel who interviewed candidates for the role, announced the appointment saying:
“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Stuart, Catriona and Mark to the rank of Assistant Chief Constable with Police Scotland.
“All three officers bring a wealth of skills and experience to enhance and support the Chief Constable and her leadership team to progress the next important phase of police reform.
“I am grateful to all the officers who put themselves forward for such a demanding selection process.”
Police Scotland’s Chief Constable, Jo Farrell added:
“I congratulate Stuart, Catriona and Mark on their promotions and thank all the candidates who participated in a competitive and rigorous selection process.”
Biography of Stuart Houston
T/Assistant Chief Constable Stuart Houston joined Lothian and Borders Police in May 1996. He is the current executive lead for Professionalism and Assurance which includes Professional Standards, Anti-Corruption and Organisational Learning & Continuous Improvement. He has been T/ACC since August 2023.
Biography of Catriona Paton
Chief Superintendent Catriona Paton joined Central Scotland Police in June 1991. She is currently the Divisional Commander for Lothians and Scottish Borders having previously led the Force Middle Office Remodelling, a Service wide transformation project. Catriona was appointed to the rank of Chief Superintendent in July 2020.
Biography of Mark Sutherland
Chief Superintendent Mark Sutherland joined Strathclyde Police in February 2001, becoming a Chief Superintendent in 2020. He took on the newly created role of Chief of Staff in January 2024. Prior to this he was Divisional Commander for Greater Glasgow.
Background information
Three vacancies at the rank of Assistant Chief Constable with Police Scotland were advertised across the UK from 22 March 2024 until 19 April 2024. The roles were open to all applicants who met the statutory eligibility criteria.
The assessment process for shortlisted candidates included:
- An operational competence discussion
- Psychometric testing
- Facilitated discussions with a panel of stakeholders.
- A final interview with the selection panel. The appointment panel was chaired by Martyn Evans, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority and included:
- Jo Farrell, Chief Constable of Police Scotland
- Jane Connors, Deputy Chief Constable of Police Scotland
- Tom Halpin, Board Member of the Scottish Police Authority
- Sally Loudon, Independent Member.
Craig Naylor, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, Lynn Brown, SPA Chief Executive and Katy Millar, Police Scotland’s Director of People and Development, observed discussions with candidates.
The Authority is responsible for appointing Police Scotland’s Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constables and Assistant Chief Constables, as required by the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012.
As Assistant Chief Constables of Police Scotland, post-holders will earn a salary of £139,880. The appointment will be in accordance with the Police Service of Scotland Regulations 2013 made under the Police and Fire Reform (Scotland) Act 2012.
All three officers appointed by the Authority are current students on the College of Policing’s Executive Leadership Programme. They have been appointed to the rank of Assistant Chief Constable on a temporary basis, pending successful completion of the course, when their appointment will become substantive.
