Office of the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner

Responsibilities

• Head of paid service
• Strategic planning and leadership
• Monitoring officer
• Consultation and engagement
• Partnerships
• Delivery of the PCC's Sussex Police & Crime Plan

View a record of the Chief Executive's expenses.

Born and educated in Sussex, Mark went on to graduate from Portsmouth University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Politics, Public Sector Studies and Policing. 

He began his career in Sussex Police in 1982, undertaking a broad range of roles; including Divisional Commander, Head of Special Branch and Head of Specialist Operations. As Divisional Commander in West Sussex he implemented successful local policing models and initiatives to drive down crime and tackle anti social behaviour.

In 2008, Mark led the first regional collaboration for police forces in the south east, overseeing the creation of the Region’s Serious and Organised Crime Unit and Air Support Unit. Prior to leaving Sussex, Mark led on the merger of the Surrey & Sussex Major Crime Branch, Forensic Services and Firearms units.

In 2011, Mark joined the Metropolitan Police Service, on promotion to the role of Commander within Specialist Crime and Operations and took charge of ‘Intelligence and Covert Policing’ which included the deployment of surveillance and undercover techniques. In 2012 he became the Commander for Specialist Armed Policing and oversaw the firearms support to the London Olympic Games. Mark led the Mets use of Automatic Number Plate Vehicle Recognition system to target criminals use of the roads and became the national lead for the use of Digital Forensics in investigating crime.

Mark was appointed as Chief Executive for the Office of Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner in May 2013. He lives with his family in Sussex. 

Responsibilities

• Proper administration of the Sussex PCC's financial affairs
• Value for Money
• Best use of resources
• Contractual management
• Internal audit
• Budget management

View a record of the Chief Finance Officer's expenses.

Mervin joins the OSPCC with 25 years’ experience of public affairs, communications and marketing in industry, the Civil Service and local and national policing.

Starting with the Government Information Service at the Ministry of Agriculture, and then moving to the Employment and Education departments, he worked in publicity and marketing and national advertising campaigns before a spell as a press officer in the Welsh Office.

He led Public Affairs and Internal Communications for the Ministry of Defence Police in 1997 before moving to head up the Corporate Communications team at Norfolk Constabulary.

In 2004 Mervin moved to the private sector as Director of External Affairs for Cogent – the newly launched Sector Skills Council for the Oil and Gas, Chemical, Polymer and Nuclear industries. Over a ten year period, his team positioned Cogent as a key player in the national science skills arena working with key employers to help deliver the UK’s industrial innovation and growth strategy.

With a particular interest in professional development and the potential of young people his teams at Cogent developed digital platforms to assist in career pathway planning, skills gap analysis and business effectiveness.
Mervin was originally a Fine Arts graduate of Wimbledon and Falmouth Schools of Art with an early career as an illustrator and muralist and retains a deep interest in the arts.

Mervin has a son and daughter at university and lives near Eastbourne with his wife.

Isabel (Izzy) joined the OSPCC in May 2022 and brings with her a background in creative media and marketing from the private sector - previously working with brands such as Higgidy and Fender.

Izzy received a 2:1 in Creative Media Practice from the University of Sussex and has an enthusiasm for digital media, videography and photography. These skills are utilised within the role of Digital Content and Campaigns Manager to ensure that the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner is engaging and remains relevant across all digital channels and platforms.

Izzy also utilises her background in campaign management to promote key messages from the OSPCC and to engage with the residents of Sussex through physical and digital events.

Rosie brings a wealth of experience in strategic communications, public engagement, and stakeholder relations to her role as Communications Manager for OSPCC. With a background spanning both public and private sectors, Rosie has led high-impact campaigns and managed complex communications portfolios, most recently for the Sussex Resilience Forum.

In her professional role she enjoys crafting clear, compelling messaging that connects communities with public services, and is passionate about driving transparency and trust in policing. Rosie plays a key role in shaping the PCC’s communications strategy, combining media relations, digital outreach, and public engagement to help amplify the voices of Sussex residents.

Outside the OSPCC, Rosie is an enthusiastic (if not always tuneful) member of the Voices of the Community at Lindfield (VOCAL) Choir and enjoys being a local cub leader.

Jason is passionate about safeguarding, providing services to victims and investigative standards, most recently working with the National Institutions of the Church of England on the National Church Safeguarding Programme and as the Senior Responsible Officer for the Past Case Review Project (also known as PCR2). In addition, Jason has worked as the Lead User on the National Safeguarding Casework Management System Project, representing the interests and needs of Safeguarding Advisors and the Project Team in the design and procurement of a national casework management system.

Jason also previously worked in a safeguarding advisor role with lead responsibility for child and adult safeguarding, responding to allegations of abuse and case management within the Diocese of Chichester.

Jason has 30 years policing experience and career detective with Sussex Police, in a variety of roles, that included leading the Public Protection Department and Head of Crime. Jason has a broad range of experience in both operational and strategic command across a number of disciplines that includes - Intelligence Led Policing; Major Crime Investigation; Serious & Organised Crime Investigation; Critical Incident Management; Covert Policing; Crime Investigation Review; Safeguarding and Public Protection (incl. Rape & Serious Sexual Offences, Domestic Abuse and Stalking).

He currently leads the Victims' Services Team with responsibility to support the commissioning of emotional and practical support services for victims of crime. Jason believes that the key objective of his role is to work with in partnership with others, with a common purpose of delivering the highest standards of victims' services across Sussex. 

Darren works in the Victims' Services Team which is responsible for commissioning services to support the emotional and practical needs of victims of crime.

He joined the team in May 2023 and brings with him a career history of working across a broad range of Government, public and charitable organisations. He has a background in delivering services that have made a positive impact on people's lives. Partnership working has been key to the success of these services and he believes that this will be key to providing high class services for victims of crime.

Sian joined the OSPCC in January 2025 as the Victim Services Officer to support and deliver the commissioning of victim services activity, including grants and funding, and leading on the Safe Space Sussex project on behalf of the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner. 

Sian has a background in local government, having previously worked as a Personal Assistant to two Operational Managers in the Locality Management Team within Children’s Services at East Sussex County Council to safeguard children and young people against criminal and sexual exploitation.

Since then, Sian has worked for Sussex Police for nearly five years in a variety of different roles within the Divisional Intelligence Unit and Specialist Crime Command Operations as an Intelligence Processor and Intelligence Support Assistant, respectively.

For the past two years, Sian has worked in the Neighbourhood Support Team as a Neighbourhood Intelligence Researcher, managing relationships with a stakeholders and completing a variety of research tasks around varying crime types and subject profiling.

Lynn works in the Victims' Services Team as the Sussex Criminal Justice Board (SCJB) Coordinator. Joining the team in February 2024, Lynn will support the SCJB chair and work with key members of criminal justice agencies to agree priorities and identify local strategic direction.

Lynn attended Birmingham University where she achieved a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in Strategy and Procurement. She is an experienced professional who has assisted in delivering improvement strategies within a project-based environment.

Lynn has a background in working in the public sector to provide services to vulnerable adults. She has experience in contracts and commissioning working with key stakeholders across; public, healthcare, voluntary, private and community sectors to supply social care support to the local community.

Graham attended the University of Brighton where he studied Business Studies and achieved a BA Hons degree, with a 2:1 classification. After graduating, Graham worked for Sussex Police [within the Human Resources Department] before transferring to the Sussex Police Authority until it was replaced by the Office of the Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner (OSPCC) in November 2012.

In his current position, Graham is the lead officer for performance management, ensuring detailed scrutiny and analysis of the performance of Sussex Police, and providing strategic advice and recommendations to the Police & Crime Commissioner (PCC) which enables her to discharge the statutory role of holding the Chief Constable to account in accordance with the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 and Police Reform Act 2002.

Graham is also responsible for leading on and managing the assurance arrangements to support the statutory oversight and scrutiny function of the PCC, ensuring that the OSPCC operates in line with all relevant legislation and corporate governance policies. Graham manages, coordinates and monitors the release of information on behalf of the PCC to those who request it under the terms of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 and Data Protection Act 2003.

Graham also acts as Deputy Monitoring Officer in the absence of the Chief Executive & Monitoring Officer.

Debbie attended the University of West of England, Bristol where she studied Social Science. She began her career at Tunbridge Wells Borough Council as a committee administrator/councillor services officer before moving to Lewes District Council as principal committee officer.

Debbie joined Sussex Police Authority (which preceded the Police & Crime Commissioner role) in 2003 as a Policy Officer and is currently the Assurance & Complaints Manager within the Performance Team.

Maria attended Canterbury Christ Church University where she obtained a BSc in Applied Criminology and Forensic Investigation. She began her career working for the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) as a Witness Care Officer within the Criminal Justice Unit of Sussex Police. After a few years, she joined Sussex Police as a Volume Crime Scene Examiner and, after completion of a National Policing Improvement Agency (NPIA) Developmental Crime Scene Investigation she went on to become a Scenes of Crime Officer (SOCO).

Maria spent some time away from Sussex Police when she relocated to Scotland to raise her family. She returned to Sussex a few years later and successfully ran her own bespoke baking business before re-joining Sussex Police as a Victim Case Information Officer. During this time, Maria undertook a multi-agency role between Victim Support, Sussex Police, Surrey Police and the PCC offices for both force areas.

Maria then continued her career as a Crime Recording Investigation Assessor, where she assessed and audited crime reports in accordance with the Home Office Counting Rules and assisted the Force with Police Effectiveness, Efficiency and Legitimacy (PEEL) audits.

Maria proudly joined the OSPCC in 2021 and utilises her frontline and back office policing experience, investigative and auditing skills to support her, in her current role, as an Assurance Officer. 

Lucy studied Business Management and Economics at the University of Brighton where she graduated with a 2.1 BSc Honours degree. She began her career working within financial services as a commercial analyst.

Lucy relocated to Melbourne, Australia where she worked as an intelligence analyst gaining exposure to policy transformation, legislation and innovation.

After returning to the UK, Lucy worked for Sussex Police as a demand analyst within the Corporate Development Department, developing a passion for improving victim services and supporting crime reduction through data analysis. She joined the OSPCC in 2020 as a performance and strategic analyst.

Lucy’s role in the team is to analyse and interpret a wide range of data in order to evaluate the performance of Sussex Police and the services commissioned by the OSPCC. This analysis supports decision making and enables the Police & Crime Commissioner to hold the Chief Constable to account.

Claire attended the University of Exeter where she graduated with a B.A. (Hons) Education.

In 1997, Claire joined Sussex Police as a police officer where she worked across West Sussex Division in various roles including Neighbourhood Policing, Intelligence, Strategic Performance and Training.

In 2015, Claire moved to the private sector and more recently into the charity sector, leading on safeguarding and child protection.

Claire joined the OSPCC in June 2020 as the Independent Volunteer Scheme Manager, a role which fulfils  a statutory function of independent scrutiny of Sussex Police in relation to the fair treatment of detainees in custody.

Karen graduated from Aston University with an honour’s degree in Managerial and Administrative Studies [specialising in accountancy]. After training as a Chartered Accountant for a couple of years, Karen changed pathways and trained as an Executive Assistant, working in various agencies within the Lloyd’s of London Insurance market.

Born in London and growing up in Kent, Karen got married and moved to East Sussex in 2000. Shortly after the birth of her daughter in 2001, Karen started work as Personal Assistant to the Headteacher of Mayfield School, East Sussex.

Karen worked at the independent secondary boarding and day school for girls for more than 16 years, serving three different headteachers during that time, before leaving the education sector and working as Operations Manager at a small independent insurance broker in Heathfield for a few years. 

Karen joined the OSPCC at the start of October 2024 as the Executive Support Manager to Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner, Katy Bourne, and her Senior Management Team, bringing with her many years of experience working as an Executive Assistant. 

After graduating from Exeter University with a degree in English and History, Stephanie went into publishing for several years before transferring to work within the charity sector as the Chief Operating Officer for a youth and community centre in London.

Having moved to Lewes, Stephanie joined the OSPCC in May 2021.

Lynn works in the Victims' Services Team as the Sussex Criminal Justice Board (SCJB) Coordinator. Joining the team in February 2024, Lynn will support the SCJB chair and work with key members of criminal justice agencies to agree priorities and identify local strategic direction.

Lynn attended Birmingham University where she achieved a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) in Strategy and Procurement. She is an experienced professional who has assisted in delivering improvement strategies within a project-based environment.

Lynn has a background in working in the public sector to provide services to vulnerable adults. She has experience in contracts and commissioning working with key stakeholders across; public, healthcare, voluntary, private and community sectors to supply social care support to the local community.

Elliot started his working life as a carpenter, hand making a large variety of furniture and assisting with deliveries all over the country. After leaving his role as a carpenter in 2010, he began working within East Sussex County Council, progressing through a range of roles.

Immediately prior to joining the OSPCC Elliot was the Site Coordinator for two East Sussex County Council buildings in Lewes which brought with it a new set of responsibilities and a greater involvement with various departments within East Sussex County Council.

Elliot joined the OSPCC in June of 2019 as the Correspondence and Admin Officer. Elliot oversees all incoming correspondence including emails, phone calls and letters, and provides general support to the PCC office.

Simon has worked in policing since 1990 when he joined Kent Police as a Constable. Working in a variety of operational roles including response policing, traffic, neighbourhood policing, crime management, serious and organised crime investigation across two counties and operational projects and programmes, Simon has extensive experience of partnership working and coordinating agencies and suppliers around common aims to support victims of crime. As a Detective Chief Superintendent, Simon led nationally on the development of innovative digital forensics solutions, working with partners and suppliers to transform the provision of services to victims and witnesses.  

During his police service Simon qualified with a Master’s degree from Canterbury Christ Church University, became a Chartered Manager and is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute. Living in Sussex, Simon is passionate about improving the quality of life for local people and coordinating the work of partners to make Sussex a better and safer place to live, work and socialise. 

Nicola takes up the role of Partnership Manager having joined the team in July 2018 on secondment from Sussex Police Specialist Crime Command. She brings with her a wealth of experience after an extensive career in the field of Intelligence Analysis.

Originally from Hampshire, Nicola was educated in Sussex and having gained her Bachelors Degree in Science and Economics, returned to Sussex, settling just outside of Eastbourne with her husband and daughter.

Sussex born and bred; Neil joined Sussex Police as a Special Constable in 1996 serving at East Grinstead. In 1999 he became a paid member of Police Staff in 1999, working in both the Criminal Justice Unit and CID. In 2004 Neil became a PCSO in Horsham where he worked successfully to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour in Southwater.

Leaving paid police service in 2009, Neil moved to Horsham District Council as the Community Safety Officer, overseeing the Council’s Neighbourhood Warden teams, CCTV and ASB teams. During this time he developed a passion for Road Safety and in 2016 joined the Guild of Experienced Motorists (GEM Motoring Assist) as their National Road Safety Officer and latterly Chief Executive. Whilst at GEM, he worked on various projects including as a member of the Project EDWARD steering group, and as a member of the Parliamentary Advisory Council for Transport Safety (PACTS), and was elected a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation in 2021.

Neil is currently seconded into the Community & Business Partnership Manager post.

Martin has worked for Sussex Police for 25 years undertaking a wide variety of roles. He started his career in uniform on response before becoming a Detective and moving to Criminal Investigation Department (CID) before working in and creating/developing other specialist detective units.

Martin worked for many years in Child and Adult Protection. He was heavily involved in the creation of OCAT (Online Child Abuse Team) and worked on the team for many years in various ranks. During this time, he was involved in multiple international investigations into serious child sex offences.

He went on to work on the Safeguarding Investigation Unit investigating serious sexual offences and abuse against children and vulnerable adults.

Martin led on the creation of the Digital ViSOR Unit which specialised in managing digitally sophisticated Sex Offenders. He also co-managed the Complex Domestic Abuse and Stalking Unit (CDASU). This unit comprised of the High Harm Domestic Abuse Perpetrators Program (HHDAPP) and High Harm Stalkers.

The HHDAPP was formed of police and external partner representatives. The team worked together to manage repeat domestic abuse offenders, utilising a holistic approach to understand and address the core issues of their offending and provide bespoke support to prevent further offending and promote healthier relationships.

More recently Martin was a Critical Incident Inspector on East Sussex with responsibility for a team of response officers and investigators.

Martin is passionate about utilising technology to improve efficiency and prevent and detect crime. In his roles in OCAT and DVU he led on the introduction of forensic software which enabled officers to forensically examine the devices of sex offenders and charge them the same day.

Martin led on the introduction of GPS monitoring tags to manage high risk Sex Offenders. Having recognised the benefit of the tags to other areas of policing he introduced them into the management of dangerous stalkers under Stalking Protection Orders.

Ollie is Museum Director of the Old Police Cells Museum, situated in Brighton Town Hall. The museum seeks to tell the story of policing and crime in Sussex whilst situated in the atmospheric old holding cells which were used for over 100 years.

Starting as a history and politics teacher before becoming an assistant principal and consultant within further education, Ollie moved into the heritage and museums sector, working for the Imperial War Museum as a Project Manager prior to joining the OSPCC. Ollie has a master’s degrees in history from Sussex University and a master’s degree in political science from Lund University (Sweden).

Ollie was born in Brighton and is now raising his family in the city. Ollie is passionate that both the history and the heritage of the city and the wider county needs to be protected and maintained. The mission of the Old Police Cells Museum’s is to ensure that the story of policing in the area, as well as the equipment and spaces used, are preserved for the local community, policing community, young people and tourists alike.

After graduating from the University of Brighton where Chloe achieved a 2:1 in Creative Media, specialising in moving image, film & photography – she embarked on her career in communications.

Working for a private fostering company, Chloe worked on campaigns to recruit care employees to support young people living in residential children’s homes. She then went on to work for Cats Protection, leading on their internal communications to over 10,000 volunteers and staff.

Chloe joined at the beginning of 2022 and is responsible for OSPCC media communications including photography and videography across broadcast, print and radio.

Originally from Neath in South Wales, Amy received a 2:1 in European Business Administration from Wolverhampton University in 2021 before starting her career in public services at Pembrokeshire County Council - initially training as an accountant before moving into policy.

In 2006, Amy moved to Southern England to start a job a Policy Officer in Chichester District Council were she spent 14 years. In that time, Amy was promoted to Community Partnerships Manager and managed the Local Strategic Partnership, Community Safety Partnership (CSP) and was responsible for instigating and running lots of community-based projects, including the highly successful Choose work project.

Amy started working at the OSPCC in 2020, first as Partnership Development Officer and now as Community & Business Partnership Manager. Her responsibilities include liaising with the CSPs across Sussex, coordinating the Safer in Sussex Community Fund, managing the Safer Sussex Business Partnership and supporting the PCC with all her work around business crime.  

Amy has successfully studied for a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management from the Institute of Leadership and Management and achieved a distinction award.