New Chief Executive for Wiltshire & Swindon's Police and Crime Commission
Naji Darwish, who is currently the OPCC’s Deputy Chief Executive, was successful in securing the role after a four-panel interview last week and had his appointment confirmed by Wiltshire’s Police and Crime Panel today (16th).
PCC Philip Wilkinson said: “The role of Chief Executive is crucial for the continued development of my office in the coming years.
“As well as working with me and my team, the role requires expertise in working with our communities, our commissioned services and other partners to shape the county we live in.
“Naji’s passion, skills and commitment made him the perfect choice for the role - with his background, he brings a wealth of experience and a clear ambition to ensure the people of Wiltshire are at the heart of everything we do.
“It is such an important time to lead my office - as we look ahead to recovering from the pandemic’s impact, delivering on future commitments and ensuring my new Police and Crime Plan is implemented and setting the strategic direction for policing in Wiltshire and Swindon.”
The role of Chief Executive is required by law and Mr Darwish will also undertake statutory duties and responsibilities including: strategy and resource planning, partnership working and commissioning alongside scrutiny, evaluation and performance. Mr Darwish will be the PCC’s senior advisor and also has oversight of all policing estate in Wiltshire.
Mr Darwish has a wide range of experience, knowledge and understanding of the OPCC role in Wiltshire and Swindon after working in the office for the last 6 years, spending four months as acting Chief Executive in 2021. Prior to this, he worked in senior roles in Wiltshire Council, the NHS and in the private sector.
He said: “I am delighted and proud to have been appointed as the new Chief Executive of the OPCC.”
“This is an exciting time to lead the OPCC, with a new Commissioner in post developing a new plan and new approach. The PCC has a central role to make sure that victims and our public have an effective and efficient policing and justice service that works for them and keeps them safe.
“I look forward to leading the excellent OPCC team to help deliver the PCC’s Police and Crime Plan”
Current Chief Executive Kieran Kilgallen steps down from his role in March next year after notching up 20 years in policing – working for the OPCC for the last 12 years and prior to that working on Wiltshire’s Police Authority.
OPCC Chief Executive Officer appointments must be approved by the current Police and Crime Panel. Members were unanimous in their support of Mr Darwish’s appointment at today’s hearing, held at Swindon Borough Council’s offices.
Chair of the panel, Cllr Junab Ali, said: "We welcome Mr Darwish's appointment and look forward to developing a strong working relationship with him over the coming years.
"The panel wish Mr Darwish all the best for the future."