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Police and Crime Commissioner Joy Allen has been announced as the new chair of an organisation helping police forces and their suppliers to make a positive impact on their local economies.
The County Durham and Darlington PCC has been appointed as chair of the BlueLight Commercial Board after originally joining as a board member in 2022.
BlueLight Commercial works with blue light organisations to deliver value through commercial expertise and innovation and to promote the responsible and sustainable use of public resources.
The PCC replaces Matthew Scott, PCC for Kent, who has stepped down as chair after five years. He had been involved with BlueLight Commercial since its inception in 2020 and was instrumental in setting up and shaping the company.
The Commissioner, who is also Joint Lead for Environment and Sustainability on behalf of the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC), was instrumental in the adoption of the Blue Light Commercial Social Value Toolkit for the development of the pioneering Investigative Hub in Durham.
She said: “Using the toolkit, to date we have amassed over £25m in social value, with the promise of more to come. I’m also working closely with Blue Light Commercial in my role as national Lead for Environment and Sustainability, an important agenda that cannot be overlooked.
“I firmly believe that using the processes developed with BlueLight Commercial we can all make a far bigger contribution to our local communities. In addition, I believe BlueLight Commercial will play a major role in the delivery of the efficiencies needed to recruit 13,000 more officers, PCSOs and Special Constables.
“Having served as Director for two years I am honoured to be able to increase my support of BlueLight Commercial in the role of Chair of the Board. I am a firm supporter of the company and the value it brings to policing and the blue light sector, encouraging collaboration and innovation whilst delivering a more sustainable future.”
Lianne Deeming, CEO, BlueLight Commercial, said: “Matthew’s support in the development of BlueLight Commercial has been invaluable and we thank him the tremendous work he has done, as well as being grateful for his ongoing support to the activities and benefits delivery the company has built around police and fire needs.
“We are fortunate to have Joy step up to the chair position following her contributions as Director. I am delighted to have this opportunity to work closer with Joy with the increased focus around national collaboration during the next year.”
Matthew Scott, outgoing Chair, added: “After serving as the first chair of BlueLight Commercial it has been a real privilege to watch the company grow over the last four years into the trusted commercial partner of policing; one which is respected by government, PCCs, policing and suppliers.
“I thank the Board members and employees of BlueLight Commercial, whose expertise and commitment to doing the right thing has been instrumental in getting BlueLight Commercial to where it is today.
“I congratulate Joy Allen on her appointment to Chair of the Board and wish her every success. Joy will be a great advocate for the company, and I can relinquish my post knowing BlueLight Commercial is in good hands.”
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