New SPA chair

Susan Deacon has been appointed as chair of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) board.

She replaces Andrew Flanagan who announced his intention to step down in June of this year, and will be in post for four years.

Cabinet Secretary for Justice Michael Matheson said:

“I am delighted to appoint Susan Deacon to the important and high profile role of Chair of the SPA. As a former parliamentarian and minister with considerable experience in high profile board posts, she will bring a fresh perspective to the governance of Scottish policing.

“While this is a challenging role, I fully expect her to bring strong leadership and relationship building skills and fully engage with the wide range of parties with an interest in policing.

“Her role will now be to work closely with the SPA board and Police Scotland’s senior leadership team to ensure the police service continues to deliver the benefits of reform.

“I am very grateful to her predecessor, Andrew Flanagan, for his dedication and progress in driving forward the reform programme over the last two years.”

Susan Deacon said:

“It is a privilege to be appointed as Chair of the Scottish Police Authority. The issues facing the SPA have been well documented and there is much to be learned from what has gone before, but my focus now is on the future. 

“Policing is one of our nation’s most important public services, and I look forward to working with colleagues in the SPA and in Police Scotland in addressing the challenges and opportunities ahead.

“The SPA has a critical role in overseeing Police Scotland and ensuring that our police service develops and adapts to meet the needs of a changing world. Building trust, confidence and relationships is key and that will be a focus of my efforts from the outset.”

Ms Deacon will take up her post on December 4. Further information on the appointment can be found on the public appointments pages.