The Scottish Police Authority has confirmed that Police Scotland’s Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM has accepted the Board’s offer to extend his appointment term by three years. The Chief Constable’s current contract, which began in August 2018, is due to expire in August 2022. 

The Board’s unanimous agreement to offer a three-year extension was supported by the Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans and accepted by Mr Livingstone this month. This will extend Mr Livingstone’s appointment term to August 2025.

The Board has also unanimously offered three-year extensions to Deputy Chief Constable Fiona Taylor and Deputy Chief Constable Will Kerr who were both also appointed in 2018.

Speaking about the extensions, Chair of the Scottish Police Authority, Martyn Evans said:

“Iain Livingstone has worked tirelessly since taking post to strengthen and improve policing across the country. His leadership and performance has been closely monitored by the Authority, which has involved periods of extraordinary challenge and intense levels of public and media scrutiny. He has done so with the respect and support of officers at all ranks and his peers across the UK.

“Police Scotland’s performance has been positive and consistent in demonstrating good progress against the strategic outcomes set to improve the safety and wellbeing of those living, working and visiting Scotland. This has been achieved while so effectively policing the extraordinary covid public health crisis and at the same time maintaining confidence and satisfaction in policing.

“Policing is a team effort and the Chief Constable has had significant support from his senior leadership team over these last four years. DCC Taylor and DCC Kerr have also accepted offers from the Board of three-year extensions to their contracts. DCC Taylor and DCC Kerr have made significant contributions to policing across their respective and complex portfolios over the last four years.

“I am confident that our outstanding senior leadership team will continue to offer their full energy and commitment and even further improve the safety and wellbeing of individuals and communities throughout Scotland.”

Keith Brown, Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans added:

“I was pleased to approve the extension of Chief Constable Iain Livingstone’s appointment for three years from August 2022 to August 2025.

“This is one of the most important roles in Scottish public life. Mr Livingstone has successfully led Police Scotland during the current pandemic and is committed to maintaining performance and improving confidence in policing.

“I also congratulate Deputy Chief Constables Fiona Taylor and Will Kerr on the extensions to their appointments and look forward to working with the senior team in the future.”

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone QPM added:

“When I undertook day to day responsibility for the duties of Chief Constable in September 2017, policing in Scotland had significant challenges and needed the stability that now exists.

“The last four years have underlined the relentless nature of policing. I thank Fiona, Will and all my senior team for their commitment and integrity as, collectively, all of us in Police Scotland seek to make further improvements to our critical public service.

“As Chief Constable, I am grateful and enthusiastic to continue to lead and develop Police Scotland. Our shared priority and mission is to improve the lives of our communities and to maintain and build the strong bond policing has with the public we serve.

“This stability and purpose ensures policing in Scotland is able to focus on the challenges ahead, including the operation to ensure a safe and secure COP26.”

COSLA President Councillor Alison Evison said:

“As the President of COSLA I am delighted to see the extension of Chief Constable Iain Livingstone’s appointment for another three years taking him through until August 2025.

“It is equally pleasing to see extensions to the appointments of Deputy Chief Constables Fiona Taylor and Will Kerr and COSLA look forward to building on and developing the good work which we already have in place with the Police Scotland senior team going forward.

“This is well deserved recognition for the outstanding work that all three of them do on behalf of our Communities and the people of Scotland.  As recent as last week we saw the excellent partnership working between ourselves and Police Scotland in relation to the safety sessions we put on for all elected members in Scotland.”

Article initially published 26 October 2021

Background

The arrangements for the appointment of senior police officers, above the rank of Assistant Chief Constable, are prescribed in regulations. The Chief Constable and DCC’s are appointed by the Authority for a fixed term. This must initially be for a minimum of two years and a maximum of five years.

The Chief Constable, DCC Taylor and DCC Kerr were all appointed on four-year appointments terms in 2018.

Chief Constable Iain Livingstone’s appointment term has been extended from August 2022 to August 2025.

DCC Fiona Taylor’s appointment term has been extended from July 2022 to July 2025.

DCC Will Kerr’s appointment term has been extended from September 2022 to September 2025.

The Authority is expected to initiate discussions regarding appointment terms 12-months in advance of contracts ending to allow adequate time for consideration and recruitment if required.

DCC Malcolm Graham was appointed in April 2019 on a four year appointment term until April 2023.

Deputy Chief Officer David Page joined Police Scotland in 2016 on a permanent contract.

In accordance with regulations, Assistant Chief Constables are appointed on permanent contracts.