Banerjee named College of Policing chair

Ms Banerjee has acted as the College's interim chair since last November and will oversee the professional body for everyone in policing and work with the newly confirmed Chief Executive, Mike Cunningham QPM, to professionalise policing and make sure officers and staff have the skills and knowledge they need to keep the country safe.

Before joining the College, she was the chair of British Transport Police Authority for seven years and spent 30 years in the telecommunications and satellite industries. This included 25 years with BT in senior operations and customer service roles and culminating as the Director of BT Products and Services.
She is currently the Chair of NHS Blood and Transplant and a Board member of East London NHS Foundation Trust.

Speaking on her appointment, Ms Banerjee said: "I have spent many years in policing and it has been a privilege to witness the dedication and compassion of officers and staff to protect the public. This is evident when I see that public approval for police has remained high despite officers and staff being faced with ever more complex crime, a reduced workforce and greater demand.

"We are dedicated to providing access to the best knowledge and skills which sits behind the bravery, dedication and compassion shown by police on a daily basis. We have ambitious plans ahead and I intend on working with people across policing to continue building a professional body that supports all officers and staff."

Home secretary Amber Rudd added:  "Working with Millie over the last year I have been impressed by the insight she brings from her time leading other public and commercial organisations, including the British Transport Police.

"I am very pleased Millie is taking on the role permanently and, along with newly appointed CEO Mike Cunningham, the College of Policing will have a strong leadership team to help drive reform and ensure the police workforce is flexible, capable and professional, able to face the future with confidence."