Michelle Skeer to lead HMICFRS on interim basis from April
Iain Hoey
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First woman named interim HMICFRS Chief Inspector
Michelle Skeer OBE QPM has been appointed interim Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services and will take up the role on 1 April 2026.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) announced that His Majesty the King had approved the appointment, with Skeer succeeding Sir Andy Cooke after he leaves office in March 2026.
Skeer joined HMICFRS in 2023 as His Majesty’s Inspector.
She has overseen inspections of police forces and fire and rescue services across the north of England.
She has also held national responsibility for inspecting domestic abuse, child protection and police engagement with women and girls.
HMICFRS said Skeer brings 36 years of combined experience across policing and fire and rescue.
She will be the first woman to hold the position of His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and Fire and Rescue Services.
In 2018, she became the first woman appointed Chief Constable at Cumbria Constabulary.
Her national roles have included serving as Vice Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council and leading the management of violent and sexual offenders.
In 2017, she received the Queen’s Policing Medal for distinguished service.
In 2019, she became President of the British Association of Women in Policing.
She was awarded an OBE in the King’s 2023 Birthday Honours List.
Appointment takes effect in April 2026
HMICFRS said Skeer was designated as interim chief inspector by the Home Secretary following an expression-of-interest process open to serving His Majesty’s Inspectors.
The interim appointment was made in line with the Governance Code on Public Appointments.
Skeer said: “I am honoured to be appointed to this important role at a pivotal time for police forces and fire & rescue services.
“The inspectorate plays a vital role in identifying problems early, supporting sustainable improvements and promoting best practice.
“I look forward to building on the strong foundations established by Sir Andy Cooke.
“I am committed to making sure HMICFRS continues to provide independent, evidence-based oversight, firmly focused on ensuring the public receives the service they expect and deserve.
“Our work is essential to making communities safer.”
The appointment process for a permanent chief inspector is being managed by the Home Office.
HMICFRS independently assesses the effectiveness and efficiency of police forces and fire and rescue services.