Nick Gargan joins biggest private police provider in ‘strategic advice’ role

A former chief constable, controversially forced from office seven weeks ago amid multiple misconduct claims, has landed a job with security giant G4S – the biggest private provider to the police service.

Nick Gargan, who was asked to leave his post as chief constable of Avon and Somerset Constabulary, is reported to have signed a four month contract with the outsourcing firm.

The 49-year-old – whose abrupt exit from the force followed being found guilty of storing intimate images on his police mobile phone and committing breaches of data protection rules – will take on the role of programme director, giving “strategic advice” to the company.

He will be responsible for reviewing health contracts held in the criminal justice system, including a £56 million five-year contract for the custody units of nearly 20 police forces as well as prisons in the north-east of England.

It is understood that no other candidates were interviewed for the role and that the job was not advertised.

Victoria Woodison, G4S human resources director, said: “We are focused on providing the most technically advanced, flexible and efficient services in criminal justice settings and Nick Gargan’s insight and experience will help us support police forces to meet the complex and dynamic challenges they face.”

Mr Gargan told the Independent newspaper that after 27 years in policing he wanted to “continue to make use of my experience and skills”.

He added: “Like many people who leave the police service, I have some years left before reaching retirement.”

He said with “complex challenges” facing public services, he was “pleased to be able to continue to play a part”.

The former chief constable quit the force on October 16 after being asked to resign from his position by Avon and Somerset police and crime commissioner (PCC) Sue Mountstevens.

The request came after a 16-month investigation – which cost the tax payer more than £600,000 – into misconduct claims.

In July, an independent disciplinary panel found Mr Gargan guilty of eight charges of misconduct. He was given eight final written warnings over inappropriate disclosure of information in passing on confidential emails, interfering with the recruitment process and inappropriate use of a police-issued iPhone including “sexting” on his work mobile.

He was cleared of making inappropriate advances toward junior female colleagues.

In September, Ms Mountstevens wrote to Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Thomas Winsor to request support for the initiation of Section 38 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011 – the requirement to retire or resign due to a lack of confidence in his positon by local people, police officers and staff.

Ms Mountstevens claimed 24 out of 25 superintendents had voted in favour of a no confidence motion in their former chief constable.

Sir Thomas supported Ms Mountstevens’ views and his report was shared with Mr Gargan.

At the time of his departure, Ms Mountstevens said his decision had been in the “best interests” of the Constabulary, and residents, as it negated the need for the completion of Section 38 proceedings and saved on legal costs.

She said: “I have agreed to pay Mr Gargan three-month’s salary in lieu of notice as the terms of his contract state.

“This was not a decision I took lightly and I have considered it very carefully, however, in order to bring the legal proceedings to a close this is the most cost effective outcome.”

There are currently no rules preventing former police chief officers from switching to high profile private sector jobs, despite concerns over a “revolving door” between the sectors.

G4S is the biggest private provider to the police and struck a £230m ten-year deal with Lincolnshire police in 2012.

During those discussions, a G4S spokesperson told The Independent: “We would support moves to introduce a cooling-off period for retiring senior police officers before they join private companies. This