Hugh Ind has been appointed the new Chief Executive of the British Transport Police Authority (BTPA), starting today (Monday 3 June 2019).
Hugh was previously Director General at the Cabinet Office where he was leading work on the Government’s apprenticeship strategy. Hugh has worked in the civil service for 27 years, in roles such as Director General of Immigration Enforcement (2016-18) and Strategic Director for the UK Asylum System (2008-12).
Hugh was responsible for the development and introduction of the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000 and also spent time as Principal Private Secretary to Tessa Jowell at the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (2001-4).
At the BTPA, Hugh will be responsible for leading the work to hold the British Transport Police to account, overseeing the contracts between Train Operating Companies and the BTPA and maintaining high-quality relationships with the Authority’s stakeholders.
Ron Barclay-Smith, Chair of the BTPA, said: “I am delighted that Hugh has joined the BTPA as Chief Executive. At a time when the rail industry is facing various challenges in the face of unprecedented change, Hugh’s experience will prove invaluable to the Authority and the Force as we look to provide an effective and efficient policing service in response to this change.
“Hugh has substantial experience of working alongside stakeholders to inform strategic objectives and he will help us to ensure that new initiatives are created with the best interests of passengers, rail staff and industry at heart.”
Hugh Ind said: “I look forward to joining the BTPA and working together with the force to achieve their objectives. The BTP is a very unique police force in the way it serves the rail industry and I look forward to the challenges of the new role.”
Ian Pigden-Bennett has been covering the Chief Executive role on an interim basis since October 2018.
Ron added: “I would like to thank Ian for all of his hard work over the last six months and wish him all the best for the future.”