KENT Police’s deputy chief constable Jim Barker-McCardle is to take up a new role at the National Policing Improvement Agency.

DCC Barker-McCardle will become the NPIA’s director of policing policy and practice and serve as their deputy chief executive.

He said: "This is a time of mixed emotions for me. On the one hand I’m delighted with the new appointment and thoroughly look forward to working very closely with colleagues around the country in the years ahead.

"On the other hand Kent is my home and I’ve worked in the county for 26 years. It has been a great privilege to serve the people here. The level of support Kent Police receives from individuals and communities around the county has never ceased to impress me.

"I’ve worked with so many terrific colleagues as well as police authority members and partners in other agencies over the years and my profound thanks go to them and to the officers and staff of all ranks and grades who day in, day out do such an outstanding job."

Mr Barker-McCardle joined Kent Police in 1981 and served in a number of uniform and detective posts around the county. He served as assistant chief constable (Personnel and Training) and assistant chief constable (area operations) with responsibility for the performance and service delivered by Kent Police areas and the provision of specialist uniform resources including traffic policing, police dogs, firearms, public order capabilities, operations planning, the force communications centre, criminal justice, strategic crime reduction, media services, the Special Constabulary and partnership working.

In March 2004 Mr Barker-McCardle was appointed deputy chief constable taking on responsibility for force-wide performance, organisation and development and corporate communications. He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal in 2007.

A leaving date for Mr Barker-McCardle has yet to be finalised, but it is expected he will leave Kent Police before the end of the year.

Chief Constable Mike Fuller said: "I’m delighted for Jim. He is an excellent person for the role but it will be a sad loss to Kent Police when he leaves. Officers and staff know Jim as ‘Mr Kent’ because of the incredible work he’s put in for the force over the years. I wish him every success."

Ann Barnes, chair of the Kent Police Authority, said: "It gives me great pleasure to see Jim Barker-McCardle progressing with his career although this is tinged with an element of regret and he will undoubtedly be missed by us all.

"Lately, Jim has played a key role in progressing how we collaborate with Essex Police in different areas and his achievements leading on race and diversity saw Kent Police receive excellent grades from the Home Office.

"On a personal note I’ll remember his sense of humour which has brightened difficult times and I’d like to thank him for his overwhelming support of the Kent Police Authority."

Kent Police and the Kent Police Authority are now in the process of identifying a successor for the post. An acting Deputy Chief Constable will be appointed in due course.