GMP Chief Constable Steve Watson expands role, becoming national lead for Chief Officer training

Greater Manchester Police’s (GMP) Chief Constable (CC) Steve Watson is set to lead a new national police leadership programme as it’s appointed Service Director; a role he will be taking on in addition to his responsibilities in Greater Manchester.

This new leadership programme is delivered by the College of Policing as part of the National Centre for Policing Leadership, aiming to prepare those seeking promotion to Chief Officer roles across England and Wales for their newfound responsibilities. Passing this course, which CC Steve Watson will be responsible for the content and delivery methods of, will be mandatory for a candidate to be appointed as a Chief Officer.

Speaking on his appointment, CC Steve Watson said; “It is a real honour to be afforded the opportunity to contribute to the development of the future leaders of British policing. This role will be in addition to the great privilege that I have in continuing to serve as Chief Constable for Greater Manchester. 

“The enduring aim of the police leadership programme must be to deliver consistently capable leadership so as to deliver fully against public expectations of a world-class police service.”

CC Steve Watson will bring his years of first-hand policing and leadership experience to his new role, including that which he has learnt over the last two years’ in GMP, equipping senior officers seeking that next step to successfully lead local, regional, and national operations, also placing significance on rebuilding public trust and confidence in policing nationally. 

The course will look at not only operational leadership, but personal and organisational leadership too, to ensure those in the highest ranks can deal with major and critical incidents effectively, are ethical and inclusive, and are developed in political acumen, particularly where nationally significant events are concerned.

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, College of Policing CEO, said; “I’m delighted that Chief Constable Stephen Watson will be the Service Director for stage five of the police leadership programme. He is an outstanding leader and one of the most experienced chief constables in the country. Those on this year’s course will be able to draw on his wealth of personal experience and insight.

“Good leadership is one of the absolute fundamentals within policing and the College is delivering a National Centre for Police Leadership that will develop officers and staff in all roles and ranks. With Chief Constable Watson’s input, stage five of the police leadership programme will develop leaders of the future to ensure an excellent and consistent police service is provided to the public.”