Following a review and subsequent restructure of the Policing, Fire and Crime Directorate, James Farrar, Chief Executive of York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority is delighted to announce that Tamara Stevens will take up the new Director for Policing, Fire and Crime role.
Tamara said:
“It’s a real privilege to step into this new role and begin shaping the next chapter for the Policing, Fire and Crime Directorate.
“My vision is simple, I want to build a Directorate that delivers with purpose, works for the people and communities we serve and does so with integrity, innovation and collaboration at its heart.
“This role is now part of something bigger as a Combined Authority, and I am excited by the opportunity this gives us to have real impact across York and North Yorkshire.
“I want us to be known, not just in our region, but across the country for the excellence and impact of our work.”
The restructure also sees Amanda Wilkinson take up the new Head of Partnerships and Commissioning role.
Amanda said:
“Stepping into the new Head of Partnerships and Commissioning role is both an exciting challenge and tremendous opportunity.
“I am looking forward to working with key stakeholders in developing our future, paving the way for innovative partnerships and services that benefit the needs of our communities.”
Tamara and Amanda took up their new roles on Monday 21 July 2025.
Tamara Stevens
Tamara Stevens is an accomplished Public Sector leader with a strong foundation in Criminal Justice, governance, and strategic delivery. Most recently, she served as Director of Delivery and Assurance at the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority, where she held portfolio responsibility for the delivery of the Police and Crime Plan and Fire and Rescue Plan. In this role, she also acted as Interim Deputy Statutory Monitoring Officer, Senior Information Risk Owner, and oversaw business governance, including data protection and Fire Authority management.
Tamara’s career spans over two decades, beginning as a Prison Officer and progressing through increasingly senior roles, including working as an Inspector for His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Prisons, where she was responsible for inspections and thematic work across prison and immigration detention facilities.
Her academic credentials include a First-Class Honours Law Degree (LLB) from Teesside University and a research fellowship at Cambridge University, supported by the Griffins Society. Her research was launched at the House of Lords and reflects her commitment to evidence-based reform in the justice system.
Tamara has led diverse teams through complex change programmes, performance management and strategic innovation across the custodial and public safety sectors.
Amanda Wilkinson
Amanda is accomplished strategic leader with 20+ years’ experience in public sector transformation. Amanda’s expertise spans the Blue Light and Local Authority sector, where she has successfully led multi-million-pound portfolios, including contract and commissioning operations and major capital projects.
With a proven ability to manage cross-organisational teams and navigate high-risk and complex environments, Amanda delivers impactful, data-informed decisions that optimise resources and enhance public outcomes. Amanda’s skill set includes strategic programme leadership, procurement governance, business process reengineering, and stakeholder engagement at both national and regional levels.
Amanda brings accredited expertise from CIPS, CMI, and AAT, underpinned by senior leadership training from the College of Policing, making her a dynamic, forward-thinking leader committed to excellence in public service. Amanda is also a passionate advocate for inclusion and wellbeing, including engagement with prisons via her voluntary role with parkrun UK.