Mike Cunningham CBE QPM
Biography
Mike was appointed as Chair of the SIA on 1 March 2026.
Career
Mike Cunningham CBE QPM has been involved in policing and community safety for over 30 years. He is an experienced senior executive and non-executive leader.
Mike began his policing career in Lancashire Constabulary working in various roles across the County. He has a particular association with Blackpool where he served in several different capacities including as Divisional Commander.
In 2009, he became Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police, continuing his commitment to neighbourhood policing and partnerships. He received an honorary doctorate from the University of Staffordshire in 2014 in recognition of his significant contribution to policing and law and order.
As Chief Police Officer, Mike held national roles in LGBT+ issues, counter corruption, professional standards, and workforce development.
In 2014 he became Her Majesty’s Inspector of Constabulary with lead responsibility for inspecting forces in the north of England and Northern Ireland.
He was CEO of the College of Policing from 2018 setting operational and workforce standards for policing in England and Wales.
In 2021 following retirement from policing Mike was appointed as Lead Commissioner for a Government Intervention into Liverpool City Council after which he was the Independent Chair of the Council Improvement Board. Mike is also Chair of the Catholic Safeguarding Standards Agency.
He received the Queen’s Police Medal in 2013 and was appointed as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2021.
Chair, SIA
The SIA Chair is responsible for leading the Board in carrying out its responsibilities to deliver ministerial expectations and the strategic objectives of the SIA. As such, the SIA Chair is generally responsible to the Home Secretary for the governance and performance of the SIA.