Dr Barbara Wilding CBE QPM CCMI FRSA

Barbara Wilding, is the former Chief Constable of South Wales Police, the first woman to hold the post. Barbara began her career as a cadet in 1967 and became a constable in 1970. The following year she transferred to the Metropolitan Police where she served as an operational detective in London, and at New Scotland Yard. She became an Assistant Chief Constable in Kent Constabulary in 1994.

In 1998, she transferred to the Metropolitan Police as Deputy Assistant Commissioner and served as Director of Strategic Resources and also Specialist Operations, where she commanded the Security and Protection Directorate which included protection of Ministers, Royal Family, Special Branch, Heathrow Airport, covert intelligence and the specialist firearms unit. She was appointed Chief Constable of South Wales Police on 1 January 2004, and stepped down from her position at the end of December 2009, retiring as Britain's longest-serving female chief constable.

Barbara has established and run successful mentoring programmes within the Met, developing the present cadre of highly ranked female police commanders within the Met.

Barbara is High Sheriff of Mid Glamorgan and Chairs the University of Wales Institute Board of Governors.

Board mandates

Present Non-Executive Appointments

Mid Glamorgan High Sheriff
University of Wales Institute Chair Board of Governors

Past Executive Appointments

South Wales Police Chief Constable