Former chief constable joins police watchdog

Mr Graham, an experienced officer who retired after completing 31 years in the Scottish police service, also served in Dumfries and Galloway and was HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland between 2013-14. He is the first former chief constable to join the police watchdog set up in 2012.

Justice secretary Michael Matheson has also appointed HR expert Nicola Marchant and accountant Elaine Wilkinson to the board for the next four years.

Ms Marchant has more than 20 years’ experience in the pharmaceutical industry and in leading public policy at AstraZeneca, while Ms Wilkinson has worked in the public sector for 15 years and held senior positions in the Northern Ireland Civil Service.

The appointments, which are regulated by the Commissioner for Ethical Standards in Public Life in Scotland, are part-time and attract remuneration of £300 per day for a time commitment of up to five days per month.

Mr Matheson said: “Two years in is the right time to strengthen the board and complement the skills and experience of the current members, as we embark on this next phase of reform that will deliver a truly integrated single service.

“I am pleased to be able to appoint George Graham, Nicola Marchant and Elaine Wilkinson. I am sure they will all make an excellent contribution to the governance of Scottish policing.”

Scottish Police Authority chairman Vic Emery added: “We already have a broad range of knowledge, experience and skills within the SPA board and these new colleagues will add to that in the fields of policing, people, and finance.

“That range of experiences, and the collaborative networks they bring with them, will build our governance capability and also complement the professional skills of Police Scotland in anticipating the strategic challenges ahead.”