The aim of this joint HMICFRS/HMICS inspection was to assess how well UK policing selects and develops candidates for chief officer roles. The answer is ‘not as well as it should’. The report makes nine recommendations for UK policing to:

• Establish greater consistency
• Deliver transparency and fairness in selection
• Create a framework of continuous development; and
• Improve mobility amongst chief officers

Although policing in Scotland is a devolved matter, there is a common pathway through which candidates must pass to gain eligibility to apply for chief officer posts throughout the UK. Accordingly, this report has UK wide implications.