Former deputy police chief to lead Turning Point Scotland

Neil Richardson - credit Turning Point Scotland

Police Scotland’s former deputy chief constable Neil Richardson has been named as the new chief executive of social care charity Turning Point Scotland.

Turning Point, which provides support to people with complex needs such as disability, homelessness and addiction, said he would take over in January.

Richardson was one of three candidates interviewed for the position of chief constable of Police Scotland following Sir Stephen House’s announced departure last year but was pipped to post by Phil Gormley. He left when his contract ran out in July.

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Sheila Fazal, the Chair of Turning Point Scotland said: “We were looking for someone who was passionate about Turning Point Scotland and its goals and development. Someone to complement the sector expertise and experience of the executive team and staff and who will work collaboratively to build on that experience.

“In addition, given the changing landscape ahead and the uncertain operating environment we are experiencing we also needed someone who has a track record of dealing with challenges and difficult issues.

“We are confident that someone is Neil Richardson.”

Richardson won an OBE in 2014 for services to policing including playing a role in the merging of Scotland’s regional forces into one, but was latterly under fire during the row over allegations of police “spying” on journalists’ sources.