Who we are
About HMICFRS
Next to the Home Office, His 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.
We inspect England’s fire and rescue services, assessing and reporting on their efficiency, effectiveness and leadership.
His Majesty’s Inspectors (HMIs), including the Chief HMI, are appointed simultaneously as Inspectors of Constabulary under Section 54 of the Police Act 1996 and Inspectors of Fire and Rescue Authorities under Section 28 of the Fire and Rescue Services Act 2004. They are appointed by the Crown on the advice of the Home Secretary and, as independent holders of public office, appointed under Royal Warrant, they are not civil servants, police officers or fire and rescue officers.
Read more about the previous Chief Inspectors of Constabulary
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services
Andy Cooke QPM DL
In April 2022, Andy Cooke was appointed as HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary and HM Chief Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services.
His Majesty’s Inspectors of Constabulary and His Majesty’s Inspectors of Fire & Rescue Services
Matt Parr CB
Matt Parr was appointed HM Inspector of Constabulary in August 2016 and HM Inspector of Fire & Rescue in July 2017.
Wendy Williams CBE
Wendy Williams was appointed HM Inspector of Constabulary in March 2015 and HM Inspector of Fire & Rescue in July 2017.
Read Wendy Williams’ biography
Roy Wilsher OBE QFSM
Roy Wilsher was appointed HM Inspector of Constabulary and HM Inspector of Fire & Rescue in October 2021.
Assistant HMIs (His Majesty’s Inspector)
Nicola Faulconbridge
Nicola Faulconbridge joined HMICFRS as Assistant HMI in October 2022.
Read Nicola Faulconbridge’s biography
Shantha Dickinson
Shantha Dickinson joined HMICFRS as Assistant HMI in May 2023.
Read Shantha Dickinson’s biography
Chief operating officer
Mark Byers
Mark Byers joined HMICFRS as Chief Operating Officer in November 2020.
HMICFRS board
The HMICFRS board consists of HM Chief Inspector, HM Inspectors, and the chief operating officer.
Read more about the HMICFRS board’s remit and decision-making