Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts, Derbyshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner, has confirmed the appointment of Simon Blatchly OBE as Acting Chief Constable following Rachel Swann’s retirement.
Simon Blatchly brings extensive operational and leadership experience to the role, having served as Deputy Chief Constable for Derbyshire Constabulary since 2022. During that time, he has led operational policing, performance and organisational culture across the force. He is also a Gold Public Order and CBRN Commander and leads nationally on surveillance in partnership with the NCA and other security agencies, as well as motorcycles and BikeSafe on behalf of the National Police Chiefs’ Council.
Prior to joining Derbyshire, Simon spent the majority of his policing career with Northamptonshire Police in a range of senior operational, crime and intelligence roles. He also served internationally with the United Nations in Iraq, New York and Liberia, leading policing for peacekeeping missions and national security work, and was awarded an OBE in 2018 for services to international policing.
Like many forces, Derbyshire faces an intense operational period in 2026 and last month the Police and Crime Panel approved the PCC’s plans to ensure continuity of leadership until the recruitment and confirmation of a substantive Chief Constable is completed, which is expected in early 2027.
PCC Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts said the interim appointment will provide consistent strategic direction, strong operational oversight and organisational resilience during a challenging period which will include:
- Preparation for the Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy (PEEL) inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS)
- Ongoing strategic and operational performance management
- Preparatory work for the 2027–2028 budget-setting cycle
Nicolle Ndiweni-Roberts said: “I look forward to working closely with Simon as we continue to deliver my Police and Crime Plan and ensure that Derbyshire remains a safe place for everyone who lives, works and visits here.
“I’m well aware that this is a particularly busy and demanding period for Derbyshire Constabulary, and it is essential that we have a strong, experienced leader in place to provide stability and clear direction.
“I would also like to place on record my sincere thanks to our outgoing Chief Constable, Rachel Swann, for her outstanding public service, unwavering commitment to policing and keeping our communities safe. I wish her every success and happiness in the future.”
Acting Chief Constable Simon Blatchly said: “I am truly honoured to be given the opportunity to lead Derbyshire Constabulary and build upon the work of CC Swann.
“While my time in policing has taken me all over the world, to lead the force, in the county that I call home, is greatest privilege so far.
“Over the coming months there will be a number of significant pressures for the force to contend with, however, I know that the staff and officers across the county, from Swadlincote to Glossop, Ashbourne to Shirebrook, will continue to help ensure dangerous criminals are put behind bars, safeguard vulnerable victims, and work with partners to ensure that Derbyshire remains a safe place to live, work and visit.”
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