Gillian Imery QPM has been appointed as the next HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary for Scotland.

Mrs Imery, who is currently Assistant Inspector of Constabulary, will succeed Derek Penman QPM, who is retiring at the end of the month.

As Chief Inspector of Constabulary, Mrs Imery will lead HM Inspectorate of Constabulary in Scotland (HMICS) to deliver an annual programme of independent inspection, monitoring and evaluation of Police Scotland and the Scottish Police Authority. She will also be a source of professional independent advice on police matters.

Mrs Imery said: “I am extremely proud to have been appointed to the role of HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary in Scotland, and am optimistic about the part HMICS can play in supporting improvement in policing for the benefit of the Scottish public. I believe it is important to have independent and objective scrutiny of policing to ensure challenging issues are addressed as well as to highlight the positive contribution policing makes to our communities.”