Since joining the National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) in 2006, Angela O’Connor has led the work which developed the first national leadership strategy for policing and realised the creation of the National College of Police Leadership.
In addition, O’Connor has streamlined bureaucratic processes in police performance with the Integrated Competency Framework (and in examinations and assessments which created efficiency savings), and has actively promoted the introduction of business and executive skills into the policing training curriculum.
O’Connor has led the way in professionalising the Human Resources function in policing in her role as president of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) Police Forum.
“The opportunity to take stock of one’s life and do something radical is rare,” insisted O’Connor this morning. “The phasing out of the NPIA in 2012 means that I am lucky enough to be able to do that. Although it has been a difficult decision to move on at this stage, I’m leaving the NPIA at the end of one very exciting chapter and the beginning of another.”
O’Connor continued: “I have really enjoyed working in policing and with the many wonderful and inspiring people I have worked with in the NPIA and in police forces in the UK and internationally. I thank my team in particular for their fantastic policing work over the last few years.”
Credibility of police leadership development
In paying tribute to her work, NPIA chief executive Nick Gargan said: “Angela has overseen a turnaround in the credibility of police leadership development through her partnership with ACPO. She has also been a powerful role model for senior women in policing, most notably police staff. I wish her every future success.”
Peter Fahy, the chief constable of Greater Manchester Police and ACPO lead for workforce development, said: “Angela has driven many improvements in her time at the NPIA and given great leadership to those interested in police workforce development, in particular police leadership and command training. Angela has enormous energy and enthusiasm. The service can ill afford to lose people of her calibre and other good people from the NPIA.”
Before joining the NPIA, Angela O’Connor was HR director at the Crown Prosecution Service, and prior to this she led the HR function in three local authorities.
Over the years, O’Connor has been the recipient of several awards for her work including an unprecedented three HR Director of the Year honours.
She was also the first civil service president of the PPMA (Public Sector People Managers’ Association) in the organisation’s 30-year history.