The Scottish Police Authority has announced three senior appointments to Police Scotland’s leadership team following recruitment processes.
Assistant Chief Constable (ACC) Stuart Houston has been appointed to the role of Temporary Deputy Chief Constable (T/DCC). ACC Houston is currently Police Scotland’s ACC for Organised Crime, Counter Terrorism, and Intelligence.
Chief Superintendent Phil Davison has been appointed to the role of ACC. He is currently local policing transformation lead for Police Scotland.
Temporary ACC Lynn Ratcliff has been appointed to the substantive role of ACC, pending completion of the Executive Leadership Programme. ACC Ratcliff was appointed to the temporary role of ACC in April 2025.
Assistant Chief Constable Emma Bond was announced this week as the preferred candidate for Chief Constable of Warwickshire Police, and Assistant Chief Constable Steve Johnson has retired.
These appointments follow a process of assessment, interview and selection conducted by the Scottish Police Authority.
Announcing the appointment, Alasdair Hay, Chair of the Authority said:“I am delighted to announce the appointment of Stuart Houston to the rank of Temporary Deputy Chief Constable with Police Scotland.
“Stuart is a key member of Police Scotland’s leadership team, and he brings a wealth of skills and experience as an ACC which will further support the Chief Constable and her leadership team to meet the anticipated demands on Police Scotland over the summer period.”
“I am also delighted to announce the appointment of Lynn Ratcliff and Phil Davison as Assistant Chief Constables. Lynn and Phil are skilled operational leaders who will play a key role driving and delivering Police Scotland’s vision and business plan to 2030.”
Chief Constable Jo Farrell KPM said: “I congratulate Stuart, Lynn, and Phil on their appointments which refresh our leadership team and ensure operational resilience.
“Each will play an important part in supporting and leading our frontline colleagues to deliver on our vision of safer communities, less crime, supported victims, and a thriving workforce.
“I want to thank Steve and Emma for their contributions to policing in Scotland and across the United Kingdom and wish them well for the future.
“In the coming days we will outline Chief Officer responsibilities following these appointments.”
