New chair for Scottish Police Authority

Martyn Evans has been appointed as chair of the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) board.

He will begin the role on February 1, replacing David Crichton who has been serving as interim chair since December 2019.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said:

“I am delighted to appoint Martyn Evans to the Chair of the SPA.  This is one of the most important roles in Scottish public life, supporting and scrutinising Police Scotland, and Martyn will bring his considerable expertise to ensure that the SPA continues to undertake this important function.  Having served as a board member for the last two years he has a very good in-depth understanding of policing in Scotland and I am confident he will bring dynamic leadership as Chair, maintaining good working relationships with the wide range of organisations with an interest in policing.

“This is a time of unprecedented change. COVID-19, the single greatest public health crisis of our lifetimes, has had a profound impact on our whole way of life. In this space, the role of policing has never been more important, as a key frontline service in the drive to keep the people of Scotland safe.

“I am also hugely grateful to David Crichton, the outgoing Interim Chair, for his continued dedication and progress in delivering positive changes over this past year, leading the SPA in the face of the unprecedented challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Martyn Evans said:

"I am looking forward to working with colleagues within the Authority and Police Scotland to build on what has already been achieved and to help address the undoubted challenges and opportunities ahead. Policing is a vital public service and all police services across the UK face ever changing demands in a rapidly changing world. The Authority will support, promote and review the work of Police Scotland and make its contribution to further improve public confidence and understanding of the effectiveness and efficiency of the second largest police organisation in the UK."

Notes for Editors:

Martyn Evans joined the SPA as a Board Member in June 2018. He has wide-ranging executive and non-executive experience in the voluntary and public sectors.

This includes his role as Chief Executive of the Carnegie UK Trust for 10 years having been appointed in November 2009 and Director of the Scottish Consumer Council (SCC) from 1998 to 2009 and a visiting Professor of Law at the University of Strathclyde from 1995-2001.

Prior to taking up his post with SCC he was Chief Executive Officer of Citizens Advice Scotland for five years and Director of Shelter (Scottish Campaign for Homeless People) from 1987 to 1992.

Further information on the appointment can be found on the public appointments page.