CEO recognised in King’s Birthday Honours

Chief Constable Andy Marsh started his career in 1987 as a constable in Avon and Somerset Police. He was then appointed Assistant Chief Constable at Wiltshire Police, Deputy Chief Constable and then Chief Constable at Hampshire Police. He returned to Avon and Somerset as Chief Constable in 2016. He joined the College of Policing as Chief Executive Officer in 2021. 

I was humbled to receive this prestigious honour, which I accept as a tribute to the hard work of the many dedicated officers and police staff I have been fortunate to serve alongside in two forces and at the College of Policing. 

Along with society, the world of policing has rightly undergone a seismic shift since I joined in the 1980s in terms of culture, attitude, and professionalism.  

I was motivated to join policing after watching my stepfather work as a Special in his spare time. I saw up close, before realising it myself, the enormous satisfaction and pride you get from public service, which is the essence of a good career in policing. 

In common with everyone in policing, I joined to make a difference and have taken the greatest satisfaction in doing just that for people and communities. I was also inspired by a patient, professional, demanding tutor constable who helped iron out many of my faults and instilled in me the same values which make British policing the most admired across the world. I want to say thank you to all the tutor constables who play such an important role of leadership in policing. 

I hope this honour will inspire others who are considering a career in policing or have recently joined. They will see my journey and appreciate the tremendous opportunity which policing can offer everyone in the Service, as well as the difference we can all make to the communities we serve. 

Chief Constable Andy Marsh

Since joining the College of Policing, Chief Constable Andy Marsh has driven reform following the College’s Fundamental Review, and focused on the need to improve leadership, standards, and performance across the police service, to cut crime and keep people safe. 

 This is a fitting honour for the country’s longest-serving chief constable, an outstanding public servant who has delivered improved policing in two forces and is now leading change across the Service.   

Andy is highly regarded by his peers and respected by everyone who has worked with him. He cares deeply about the Service and the public, and he has shown exemplary leadership in transforming the College and driving higher standards and better performance in policing.  

I am absolutely delighted for Andy, and the College is proud he has been recognised in this way.

Nick Herbert (Lord Herbert of South Downs), Chair of the College of Policing