PCC proposes Deputy Police and Crime Commissioner appointment

Police and Crime Commissioner Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts has announced her plans to appoint a Deputy PCC to support the delivery of her Police and Crime Plan.

The Derbyshire PCC is recommending the appointment of Thomas Spray to the role. The appointment will be presented to the Police and Crime Panel at a Confirmation Hearing set to take place on Thursday 7th November.

Mr Spray is currently a serving member of police staff at Derbyshire Constabulary, with vast experience in the force's police contact centre where he has hands-on involvement in managing critical communications between the police and the public.

Experienced in training staff, signposting victims to partner agencies, emergency services and problem-solving complex cases under pressure, Mr Spray has a deep understanding of the frontline challenges facing the force and the communities it serves.

In addition to policing experience, he has managed staffing budgets, recruitment processes and training of staff through to line management in the Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) sector. As a GMB union representative, he has advocated and mediated on behalf of staff - experience which aligns with the PCC's own passion for developing a positive workplace environment for employees and caring for those who care for the public.

If the Police and Crime Panel approves the PCC's recommendations for appointment, Mr Spray will be required to leave his role at Derbyshire Constabulary before taking on his Deputy PCC post.

In putting forward her proposed appointment, Nicolle said: "I am delighted to announce my proposal to appoint Thomas Spray for the important role of Deputy PCC.Thomas has a wealth of policing experience and knowledge to offer. With considerable time spent in the police contact centre, he is well-placed to drive the improvements, efficiencies and quality of service I have promised our residents and understands how critical it is to rebuild public trust and confidence in the policing service overall.

"The role of Deputy PCC is challenging but I have no doubt Thomas' operational policing knowledge, his awareness of the challenges facing the public sector and his passion for public service make him uniquely qualified to excel in this role and become a true advocate for our communities.

"Importantly, Thomas's calm, pragmatic approach, and his genuine enthusiasm for helping our communities thrive, align perfectly with the values I seek in a Deputy Commissioner and will serve as a strong foundation for the successful delivery of my Police and Crime Plan."

The appointment of a Deputy Commissioner will support the delivery of the Commissioner's Police and Crime Plan for Derbyshire 2024-2029.

In addition to boosting capacity to meet statutory responsibilities, as Deputy PCC Thomas will help her deliver the best possible policing service to Derby and Derbyshire residents - alongside her commitment to engaging and listening to residents and businesses across the county.

The Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 provides PCCs with the statutory power to appoint a Deputy. The process is not subject to any specific criteria or guidance, and it is entirely the Commissioner's decision on who is appointed and how the selection is determined.