Who we are
About HMICFRS
Next to the Home Office, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services – established in 1856 – is the senior institution in the policing landscape, as it oversees, inspects and reports upon the efficiency and effectiveness of all Home Office police forces, as well as other forces and agencies by invitation.
Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue, including Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector, are appointed by The Queen on the advice of the Home Secretary and the Prime Minister, under section 54 of the Police Act 1996. As independent holders of public office under the Crown, appointed under Royal Warrant, they are neither civil servants nor police officers.
Read more about the previous Chief Inspectors of Constabulary
Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services
Sir Thomas Winsor
In October 2012, Sir Thomas was appointed as Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary. He was appointed as the first ever Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services in July 2017.
Read Sir Thomas Winsor’s biography
Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services
Zoë Billingham
Zoë Billingham was appointed Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary in September 2009 and Her Majesty’s Inspector of Fire & Rescue in July 2017.
Read Zoë Billingham’s biography
Andy Cooke QPM
Andy Cooke was appointed Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary and Her Majesty’s Inspector of Fire & Rescue in April 2021.
Matt Parr, CB
Matt Parr was appointed Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary in August 2016 and Her Majesty’s Inspector of Fire & Rescue in July 2017.
Wendy Williams, CBE
Wendy Williams was appointed Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary in March 2015 and Her Majesty’s Inspector of Fire & Rescue in July 2017.
Read Wendy Williams’ biography
HMICFRS board
The HMICFRS board consists of HM Chief Inspector, the HM Inspectors, and the chief operating officer.
Read more about the HMICFRS board’s remit and decision-making