In this conversation from the College of Policing’s London offices, Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh reflects on the leadership review commissioned by the Home Office and why he believes leadership has been under-invested in across policing for more than a decade. He argues that strong leadership improves everything from performance and standards to retention, morale and public service, and that the real purpose of the review is to understand how to create more of those positive leadership moments at every level of policing.
The interview also explores what the commission has been looking at, from talent, promotion and development to the frontline experiences of sergeants and inspectors. Sir Andy explains why the review is not just about chief constables or senior command, but about leadership throughout the service, and why this moment of wider police reform may be the ideal time to rethink how leadership is developed and supported nationally.
Key takeaways
- Sir Andy Marsh says police leadership has been significantly under-invested in for years.
- He argues that leadership makes everything better across performance, standards and fulfilment.
- A big theme is that the review is about leadership at every level, not just the top.
- Marsh says the most impactful leaders in his own career were sergeants and inspectors.
- The commission has focused heavily on frontline views, especially from sergeants and inspectors.
- Key questions include talent, defining good leadership, development, promotion and performance reviews.
- Sir Andy believes the recommendations will be practical and aimed at improving policing for the public.
- He says the College can help deliver change, but only if leadership receives greater central investment.
Chapters
00:34 – Why the leadership review was commissioned
01:49 – Why leadership has been under-invested
03:58 – This is not just about chief constables
04:31 – Why sergeants and inspectors matter most
05:40 – Who is leading the review and how it gathered evidence
07:30 – The big questions the commission is asking
09:50 – What happens after the report is published
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