Mark Shelford

Background

About Mark Shelford

Mark Shelford MA BSc MCGI I’m a strategic leader with 30+ years of experience across policing, defence, and government. As Police and Crime Commissioner for Avon & Somerset (2021–2024), I led one of the UK’s most complex forces, managing a £380m budget and nearly personnel. I held the Chief Constable to account through a nationally recognised, live-streamed scrutiny process that modelled transparency and trust in policing. A former British Army Officer and Deputy Council Leader, I bring board-level experience from NATO, local government, and criminal justice governance. My areas of expertise include: Board & Governance Leadership – Chaired bodies such as the Local Criminal Justice Board, Technology Development Committee, and regional RFCA boards. Cyber & Economic Crime Strategy – National APCC Lead; founded the South West Cyber Resilience Centre; partnered with NCA & ROCUs to lead Operation Scorpion. Innovation & Reform – Drove early AI adoption in policing; initiated the award-winning Prisoners Building Homes programme to cut reoffending and tackle housing needs. Stakeholder & Political Engagement – Trusted interlocutor across policing, intelligence, Whitehall, and local communities. I am particularly interested in NED and strategic advisory roles in justice, digital security, veteran transition, social value, or governance reform. I bridge institutional divides and champion trauma-informed services and consumer protection, practising relational leadership—“building trust one cup of tea at a time.” Career Summary 2025–Present: Governor, South Western Ambulance Service NHS FT 2025–Present: Board Member, Wessex Reserve Forces & Cadets Association 2024–Present: Director, Mission Social Value 2021–2024: Police and Crime Commissioner, Avon & Somerset 2019–2021: Partner, ShelfordWarren 2017–2019: Cabinet Member – Sustainability, Resilience, Highways & Transport 2015–2017: Elected Councillor, Bath & Consultant, M Shelford Associates 2012–2017: CEO, MSA (Training & Simulation) 2009–2012: Commander, British Army Operational Training, Kuwait 2005–2009: NATO Land Training Simulation Project Manager 2003–2005: Manager, UK CBRN Defence Capability, RAF Strike Command 2002–2003: Chief Instructor, Armoured Manoeuvre, Land Warfare Centre Project Manager, Protection & Decontamination, DSTL Porton Down Qualifications MA Defence Studies – Cranfield University BSc Applied Science – Cranfield University MCGI (Leadership & Management) – City & Guilds Institute PRINCE2 Qualified (2008)