Diocese of Chichester Safeguarding

Independent chair of safeguarding advisory panel appointed.

Martin Richards, former Chief Constable of Sussex Police, has been appointed as the Independent Chair of the Safeguarding Advisory Panel in the Diocese of Chichester.

Bishop Martin said: “I am delighted to welcome Martin Richards as he takes over the helm of advisory panel from Keith Akerman, who stepped down from his post as Chair earlier this year. This will cement the partnership that we have been building with statutory agencies and other voluntary associations committed to the safety of vulnerable people and the wellbeing of everyone as a fundamental characteristic of society."

Martin Richards QPM MSt Cantab LLB

Martin was born in 1959, the son of a vicar and a primary school headmistress. He attended Warwick School before studying law at Bristol University, later obtaining a Masters degree in Criminology from Cambridge University. He joined Warwickshire Police in 1982 working in uniform and CID. In 1998 he was appointed Assistant Chief Constable with Avon and Somerset Police becoming Deputy Chief Constable there in 2001. He was appointed Chief Constable with Wiltshire Police in 2004. In 2007 he became Chief Constable of Sussex until his retirement from policing in 2014. His Non Executive portfolio has included Chairmanship of a large Police Charity, member of St John Ambulance Council for Sussex and Governor (with Safeguarding responsibilities) at a Brighton School. He has supported young people in state and public schools through the development and delivery of a bespoke Leadership Masterclass.

He has a passion for all sports, in particular cricket, football, and rugby.

Martin is married to Judith (Head of Lower School at St Christopher's, Hove), they have four grown up sons and live in Hove.