Who we are

: Eddie Bloomfield (Chief Inspector); Eddie is a career civil servant who was appointed Chief Inspector in June 2005 after four years as Director of Operations at the Official Solicitor and Public Trustee Office. His experience covers a wide range of operational, policy and corporate roles in government. In addition, he was an Inspector with HM Treasury from 1987-91 including two years as Director of Staff Inspection Training for the Civil Service. In 1991-92 he assisted the Republic of Cyprus with the development and implementation of an inspection programme. Eddie is married with four children and lives in Colchester. His interests are mainly sports, particularly football, and he coaches a youth side.

: Andy Allan (Deputy Chief Inspector); Andy joined HM Magistrates' Courts Service Inspectorate (HM MCSI) in 2000 as an HM Inspector after 25 years as a Customs Officer, the latter part of which was focussed on change management and business improvement. Within MCSI and later HMICA, Andy inspected both the courts and the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (CAFCASS). Following a period as project manager for the transfer of the CAFCASS inspection function to Ofsted, he was appointed as Assistant Chief Inspector in January 2007.

: David Abbott (Deputy Chief Inspector); Following 15 years working in the voluntary sector, David joined HM Magistrates Courts Service Inspectorate as HM Inspector in 1999, transferring to HMICA in April 2005. Following a period as HM Inspector/Change Manager he was appointed as HM Assistant Chief Inspector in January 2007.

: Karen Cracknell (Assistant Chief Inspector); Karen worked for Essex Police for a large part of her career both as a police officer and in the prosecutions department, followed by a two-year secondment to HM Inspectorate of Constabulary. In 1999 she made a career move into higher education as Director of a small UK-based Canadian university campus. During this time she developed her training and management consultancy skills, regularly delivering workshops and working directly with local businesses on operations and strategic management. She joined HMICA as an Inspector in March 2005, subsequently becoming an Assistant Chief Inspector.

: James Cross (Head of Operations); James joined HMICA in 2005 following postings within HM Inland Revenue, HM Customs & Excise, Local Government and the private sector. His experience covers strategic planning and leadership, organisational capability and performance improvement, project management and change management. Appointed as a HM Inspector initially, James served as Change Manager and Assistant Chief Inspector before being appointed Head of Operations in January 2009.