Life peer Lord Brian Paddick and business leader Rebecca George CBE have joined Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley’s most senior decision making board as non-executive directors.
As non-executive directors Lord Paddick and Ms George will advise, bring independent oversight, external perspective and challenge into the Metropolitan Police Service as it goes through change and reform to deliver More Trust, Less Crime, and High Standards for Londoners.
Lord Paddick joined the Met as a constable in 1976. As borough commander he built a strong relationship between the police and communities in Lambeth. He retired as a deputy assistant commissioner in 2007.
Since 2013, Lord Paddick has been an active member of the House of Lords, spending most of that time as a frontbench spokesperson on Home Affairs. He is now a non-affiliated member of the House of Lords.
Lord Paddick said: “There is no alternative but to reform the Met. The people of London need the police, and the police need the support of the public. I hope to help bring both together to make London safer.”
Rebecca George CBE is an independent advisor to the UK public sector. Her career has been defined by digital transformation and leveraging data – for the last 20 years she has worked with organisations across the public sector. She has held roles with the Department of Education since 2019, supporting reform of further education, and currently advises the Department of Education on employer engagement.
Until June 2021 Ms George was a managing partner at Deloitte, leading their public sector practice across 25 countries in Europe and the Middle East. She joined Deloitte as a partner in 2006 after spending nearly 20 years at IBM in roles including sales, business process reengineering and HR; in the UK and globally.
Rebecca George CBE said: “‘The Met Police is a globally recognised organisation with great strengths in operational policing – and with significant challenges. I will bring experience in digital transformation, in leadership and in culture change; along with constructive challenge to support the delivery of their New Met for London Plan, and the requirements of Baroness Casey’s review.”
We are also pleased to announce three new senior appointments to the Met’s Management Board.
Darren Scates has been appointed as Chief Digital Data & Technology Officer and will lead the Met’s digital, data and tech services.
Darren has spent almost 30 years transforming digital, data and technology services in complex and high profile organisations including six-years as the Met’s Chief Technology Officer.
Darren said: “It is a privilege to step into this new role supporting our frontline to deliver the best service to Londoners. We have significant challenges in the delivery of our major technology enabled programmes and I am also determined that in parallel we continue to innovate and free up our data to deliver precise policing for Londoners.”
Sharon Sawers has been appointed as Chief Communication and Engagement Officer. Sharon joined the Met in September and leads the corporate communication and engagement function.
Sharon joined the Met from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities where she was the Director of Communications. Sharon previously led the Home Office and Cabinet Office communication operations after leaving the private sector where she worked in advertising for Saatchi and Saatchi.
Sharon said: “I can’t think of a greater purpose in work than being part of a team that helps to keep Londoners and our capital safe.”
Adrian Scott has been appointed as Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer and will lead the Met’s ambitious change and transformation work.
Adrian joined the Met from the Department for Work and Pensions, where he was the Chief Portfolio Officer and Head of Project Delivery Profession.
Adrian said: “I am delighted to have this opportunity to develop effective strategy and deliver on critical transformation projects to help the Met improve, to make it easier for Met colleagues to do their jobs, and ensure Londoners get a fantastic service.”
The Commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley said: “Talented and passionate leaders are critical to succeeding in our journey of reform. I’m delighted to welcome these new colleagues who will all play a central part in delivering a New Met for London and a service we can all be proud of.
“Lord Paddick and Rebecca George bring vast experience and knowledge. They are highly respected individuals who I know will bring valuable and crucial challenge and counsel into the Met.
“Sharon Sawers, Adrian Scott and Darren Scates will be at the forefront of leading some of our most critical work as part of our management board. Their experience and innovative approaches will be central to delivering our mission of more trust, less crime and high standards and I look forward to working with them all.”
