A new Commissioner for Wales at the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) has been appointed.
Appointed by the Home Secretary for an initial four year term, Jan Williams starts at the IPCC office in Cardiff today (August 1) where she will be based.
She will provide independent oversight of all IPCC investigations, and liaison with police forces, in Wales and some adjoining areas.
MS Williams held a number of Chief Executive posts across NHS Wales, retiring in March 2012 after a 32-year career. Since retirement, Jan has undertaken independent appointment roles, specifically in the fields of professional regulation and public service complaints investigation.
Commenting on the appointment, IPCC Chair Dame Anne Owers said: “I am delighted to welcome Jan Williams to the IPCC and am looking forward to working with her.
“This is a crucial and exciting time for the IPCC and her extensive experience at senior level, including in a professional regulatory capacity, will be a great asset to the Commission.
“We are losing Tom Davies after 10 years. Tom is one of our founding Commissioners and helped set up the office in Cardiff. Tom has overseen some crucial cases in Wales, including the Lynette White investigation – he will be greatly missed.”
Mrs Williams said: “I am looking forward to the challenge of helping take the IPCC forward at a time of great change for the IPCC and for policing. Tom Davies has been able to ensure that the impact of these changes for Wales, and the specific Welsh context, are properly taken into account, and I very much look forward to building on that legacy.”
Outgoing IPCC Commissioner Tom Davies said: “Working for the IPCC has been a real privilege and in Wales it has been a unique experience. I wish Jan and all my Commission colleagues all the best in their continued work.”