Agencia appoints rule of law expert to international security role
Helen Gibson and Richard Wood - firm paving way for British business overseas.
A COMPANY which is paving the way for British businesses investing overseas by driving security and justice improvements internationally and in the UK has strengthened its team with a key appointment.
Richard Wood joins East Yorkshire-based Agencia as Deputy Director of Justice, Policing and Security, supporting the company’s work as it expands in the Western Balkans and South East Europe, East and North Africa and China.
From its headquarters in Hessle, Agencia has become a leader in criminal justice reform and the rule of law, offering specialist consultancy, combining technical and managerial expertise and developing a thorough understanding of the issues facing countries in conflict and transition.
The company’s international achievements in the justice and health sectors led to it being appointed as a Northern Powerhouse Export Champion earlier this year. It recently established a Serious Crime Directorate to enhance its work on economic crime, anti-corruption and counter terrorism.
Richard brings some 35 years of experience of the criminal justice sector and has been working as head of rule of law and senior adviser to the EU Special Representative for Bosnia and Herzegovina.
He moved into strategy and policy after a career with the Durham Constabulary which included 16 years as a detective and senior investigating officer, becoming head of regional detective training.
He worked with the Home Office counter-terrorism unit and later led a series of global programmes to build organisational capacity in transitional and post-conflict countries.
At Agencia, Richard will work to Steve Pitts, Director of Justice, Security and Policing, as the business meets increasing demand for its expertise.
Helen Gibson, Managing Director of Agencia, said: “We have delivered more than 400 contracts, developing and exporting British public service expertise to build communities and confidence among developing nations working to improve their justice, policing and security systems.
“Terrorism, corruption, modern slavery, cyber-crime, smuggling people, weapons and commodities are all international and transnational, and improving the rule of law is an essential element to any effective and strategic response.
“The rule of law is equally crucial to wider important objectives such as trade, development, transparency, good governance and improved human rights. In each and every situation, the ability to work with effective and lawful partners, in challenging environments, relies on the rule of law and a functioning justice system.
“Richard has first-hand experience in many of the territories in which we operate and in countries which are on our radar as we expand. He has also operated at the highest level, providing briefings to government ministers and ambassadors as well as to the most influential organisations.
“He brings a number of skills which will enhance Agencia’s capability in international project management and his contacts and knowledge stretch around the world, which will help to increase our global outreach.”
Richard said: “Agencia has a reputation for exceeding expectations with a team from multiple professional backgrounds, enabling truly comprehensive and sustainable results. Having known Agencia since 2003, I have been deeply impressed by the company, its values and their strong commitment to making a difference.
“My role with Agencia enables me to contribute to the stabilisation and transformation of former conflict zones; helping transform lives in some of the most challenging locations worldwide.”
