John Tizard, PCC Bedfordshire, Succeeds Joy Allen, PCC Durham, As Chair

After serving as Chair of the BlueLight Commercial Board since October 2024, Joy Allen, PCC Durham, has stepped down from the role and the Board has appointed John Tizard, PCC Bedfordshire and current Vice Chair, as the new Chair, with Matthew Scott, PCC  Kent, taking on the role of Vice Chair.

During her tenure, Joy has provided strong leadership and strategic direction, helping to strengthen collaboration across policing and the wider blue light sector while championing innovation, sustainability and value for money. She will remain on the Board as a Director, continuing to support the organisation's future growth and ambitions

Lianne Deeming, CEO, BlueLight Commercial, commented “I thank Joy for her commitment, leadership and support during her tenure as Chair. Her passion for collaboration, public service and delivering real value to policing and the blue light community has helped BlueLight Commercial continue to evolve and strengthen its position as a trusted commercial partner.

“I am delighted to welcome John Tizard as our new Chair, bringing extensive leadership, governance and commercial experience from across the public, private and voluntary sectors. His insight and strategic perspective will be invaluable as we continue to support our members and deliver sustainable value across the sector.

“I am also pleased to welcome Matthew Scott as Vice Chair. Having served as the organisation's first Chair from its inception in 2020 until October 2024, Matthew's experience, knowledge and longstanding commitment to BlueLight Commercial continues to be a tremendous asset to the Board.”

Joy Allen, outgoing Chair, added: “BlueLight Commercial is an organisation I care deeply about, and it has been a privilege to serve as Chair. I want to thank every member of the Board and the wider BlueLight Commercial team for their professionalism, commitment and unwavering dedication to public service. What has been achieved together is extraordinary. Through expertise, innovation and determination, BlueLight Commercial has delivered significant savings for UK policing, strengthened commercial capability across the sector and demonstrated the power of collaboration.

“I remain absolutely committed to BlueLight Commercial's future and, importantly, I am pleased to continue serving on the Board as a Director. I will remain a passionate advocate for the organisation's work and continued success. BlueLight Commercial has an exciting future ahead, and I look forward to continuing that journey with John, Matthew, the Board and the executive team."

John Tizard, incoming Chair, said: "I am honoured to be appointed Chair of BlueLight Commercial. The organisation plays a vital role in helping policing and the blue light sector achieve greater commercial excellence, collaboration, public benefit, and value for money. It has a critical role to play in the wider police reform programme and delivering the financial benefits to support the programme.

"I would like to thank Joy for her leadership and contribution during her time as Chair. I look forward to building on the strong foundations established by both Joy and Matthew, working closely with Lianne, Chief Executive, the Board and executive team to ensure BlueLight Commercial continues to deliver tangible benefits for its members and, ultimately, the public we all serve.”

About John Tizard

John Tizard was elected Police and Crime Commissioner for Bedfordshire in May 2024, following leadership roles in numerous businesses, charities, and public sector organisations and having served as a councillor for 18 years and council leader. John has advised organisations and leaders in the business, charity, social and public sectors in the UK and internationally on subjects such as leadership, governance, public service reform, procurement, and insourcing. He has had leadership experience in business, the public sector, and the voluntary and charity sector.

About Matthew Scott

Matthew Scott was elected the Police and Crime Commissioner for Kent in May 2016. Matthew served as Chair of the BlueLight Commercial Board from June 2020 to October 2024 and is also the national Association of Police and Crime Commissioners (APCC) portfolio lead for Mental Health.