Search on for new £212,000-a-year chief constable

Chief Constable Sir Stephen House stood down from his position with Police Scotland. Picture: TSPL

The Scottish Police Authority has launched a recruitment campaign to find the new chief after Sir Stephen House announced his decision to stand down.

It comes after Police Scotland has been hit by a series of controversies in recent months.

And a staff survey published last week found around a third of officers plan to quit the service.

Andrew Flanagan, chair of the SPA, said: “From today, candidates to be Police Scotland’s next chief constable have the opportunity to throw their hat into the ring.

“The SPA is seeking an exceptional leader to take forward the next phase of police service transformation in Scotland.

“Our police workforce has spoken recently about their experience of the new policing arrangements. There are things we need to improve.

“So I want the new chief to develop a working environment that will inspire and energise officers and staff to deliver services in new and flexible ways, and with the active participation of local communities.”

The SPA said it expected to announce the name of the successful candidate by early December. The appointment will be for a minimum fixed term of two years.