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Damian Kearney

Biography

Following service in the Royal Air Force within the UK and overseas, Damian Kearney spent 25 years as a police officer, working as a senior detective across intelligence, public protection and major crime. As a Detective Superintendent, Damian led the development of the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, managing staff providing specialist covert capabilities to the region.

As an Assistant Chief Constable, Damian was responsible for counter terrorism, organised crime and forensics, leading a large workforce throughout the five police forces based in the south-west of England. Following this, Damian was appointed as a Director within the national policing inspectorate, leading specialist inspections across the UK and in British Overseas Territories and Crown Dependencies.

Following retirement from policing in late 2019, Damian has developed a portfolio of lay member and non-executive roles. He now works as a lay member with a number of regulatory bodies, including ACCA, ICAEW, the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal and the Bar Standards Board. He also sits as an independent member of the Parole Board for England & Wales and as a specialist member of the National Safeguarding Panel for Sport.

Committee membership

  • VN Preliminary Investigation Committee – appointed 2021

Declaration of interests

DirectorshipsDK Independent Ltd - Owner / Director: This is my own company providing safeguarding and workplace bullying advice, consultancy and support.
ShareholdingsNone
ConsultanciesNone
Appointments to other bodies
  • Association of Chartered Certified Accountants - Lay Member of Disciplinary Committee, Admissions & Licencing Committee and Audit Monitoring Committee
  • Sport Resolutions - Specialist Member – National Safeguarding Panel for Sport
  • Age Check Certification Scheme - Non-Executive Member – Impartiality Panel
  • Parole Board for England & Wales - Independent Member
  • Institute of Chartered Accountants in England & Wales - Lay Member, Conduct Committee
  • Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal - Lay Member
  • Bar Standards Board – Lay Member of the BSB’s Independent Decision-making Panel
Membership of other veterinary or allied organisationsNone
Employment
  • Director – Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (2019)
  • Assistant Chief Constable – South West Police Collaboration (2018-2019)
  • Police Officer – Avon & Somerset Constabulary (1995 – 2018)
  • Police Officer - Sussex Police (1995 – 2000)
  • Royal Air Force (1987 – 1995)
Qualifications (other than veterinary qualifications listed in the Register)None
Interests relating to immediate family or close friendsNone
Other relevant informationNone

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