Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Steve Turner has today confirmed Mark Webster as his preferred candidate for Chief Constable of Cleveland Police.
Mark has a long and varied career in policing, most recently as Deputy Chief Constable of Cumbria Police.
Mr Turner said: “I am delighted to select Mark as my preferred candidate for the role of Chief Constable.
“At every stage of the assessment process, Mark proved himself as a talented and dedicated police leader with a wealth of experience in operational policing.”
Mark has been selected following a rigorous recruitment and assessment process, developed in partnership with the College of Policing, the national centre of excellence for police leadership and recruitment.
The assessment process included a robust three-part interview schedule:
- An internal panel made up of police officers, staff and volunteers, as well as representatives from a range of staff networks and associations.
- An external panel consisting of local and regional partners.
- A final appointment panel of six experienced leaders, chaired by the PCC.
The appointment panel’s decision to select Mark as the preferred candidate was unanimous.
Prior to launching the search for a new Chief, the Commissioner’s Office conducted a consultation with Cleveland Police’s workforce. It sought their views on what qualities they would like in the next Chief Constable.
Strong leadership and commitment
The 343 respondents selected strong leadership, a commitment to stay in the role long-term and being approachable as their top three priorities. This feedback was used to shape questions asked by the internal interview panel.
Mr Turner said: “Cleveland is not an easy place to police, and therefore we needed a process that was going to put candidates to the test and draw out their extensive skills and experience.
“This was a rigorous exercise, with two days of interviews and three different interview panels. This is not only a major challenge for those being interviewed, but allows me to ensure fairness and diversity in opinion is protected at all stages of the process.
“I’m particularly pleased that we were able to hear from so many members of Cleveland Police’s workforce, who we know are seeking visionary leadership and stability from their next Chief Constable.
“Mark’s appointment comes at an important time for the force, which still has a significant way to go in improving the service they provide for the residents of Cleveland. I look forward to working with Mark to ensure our area has an efficient and effective police force in the years to come.”
Father-of-two Mark joined Cumbria Police in July 2017 as Assistant Chief Constable. He was promoted to Deputy Chief Constable in March 2018.
Previously, he had served as Director of Intelligence and Operations at the National Crime Agency (NCA.)
Cleveland Police and Crime Panel will now consider the appointment at a confirmation hearing later this month.