Michelle Skeer OBE QPM

His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary and His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services

"I am delighted to take up my role as His Majesty's Inspecor of Constabulary and His Majesty's Inspector of Fire and Rescue."

"I am looking forward to this new challenge with HMICFRS as we work to make communities safer."

Biography

Michelle Skeer was appointed to HMICFRS in August 2023, joining the inspectorate from Cumbria Constabulary.

Michelle joined Cumbria Constabulary in February 1990. The majority of her career has been within Crime Command where she served in every rank and as a Chief Officer since 2009. As a Senior Investigating Officer Michelle led several major investigations in serious and organised crime and enquiries which centred on protecting vulnerable members of the public.

Michelle served as Director of Professional Standards for the constabulary leading the force in matters of anti-corruption, public complaints and information security.

Michelle was appointed as Deputy Chief Constable in 2014 and in 2018 became Cumbria Constabulary’s first woman to be appointed as Chief Constable. Nationally, she held the role of Vice Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), led the management of violent and sexual offenders (MOSOVO) as well as being the Vice Chair of the Finance Committee.

Michelle received the Queen’s Policing Medal (QPM) for her distinguished service in the New Year’s Honours list in December 2017. In July 2019 she became the President of the British Association of Women in Policing (BAWP).

She was awarded an OBE in the King’s 2023 Birthday Honours List.

In April 2026, Michelle was appointed as interim HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary and HM Chief Inspector of Fire & Rescue Services.