Former chief constable guilty of gross misconduct

An independent misconduct panel concluded on Thursday (July 30) that Mr Noble would have been dismissed without notice had he not resigned on the eve of a two-day accelerated misconduct hearing.

The outcome means the former chief constable will now be placed on the College of Policing’s barred list, preventing him from working in policing or other specified law enforcement bodies.

The chair of the hearing has imposed reporting restrictions, meaning no details of the allegations or the panel’s findings can currently be published.

The IOPC, which investigated Mr Noble’s conduct, said it continues to investigate other allegations relating to him both in and outside his policing duties.

Following the hearing, IOPC director general Rachel Watson said the case underlined the need to reform the way senior police leaders are appointed.

Referring to the recent Police Leadership Commission report, she said: “The report recommended an overhaul to promotion processes for chief officers to ensure transparency and fairness, for more investment in leadership training, and improvements to identifying and fast-tracking talent. I support these proposals.

“As the police complaints watchdog, we are uniquely placed to identify issues, areas of concern, and ways to improve policing.

“I do believe most chief officers do a good job in challenging circumstances. But too often our investigations are uncovering longstanding, unreported concerns about their behaviour. Concerns need to be raised and heard long before someone is considered suitable for appointment to the chief officer rank.

“Police leaders set the culture for police forces so it’s vital the right people occupy chief officer positions – people with effective leadership skills and who come from diverse backgrounds, including experience away from policing. People should not reach chief officer ranks simply because their face ‘fits’.”

Mr Noble, 52, led Staffordshire Police from December 2021 until his suspension in August 2025. Before that, he served as assistant chief constable at Humberside Police.

Until his resignation, he was one of eight serving or former chief constables under misconduct investigation or awaiting related proceedings.

A Staffordshire Police spokesperson said the force acknowledged the outcome of the hearing, which was led by Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime Ben Adams as the appropriate authority.

“The panel found that Chris Noble would have been dismissed had he not resigned for breaching the Standards of Professional Behaviour to the level of gross misconduct,” the spokesperson said.

They added that Acting Chief Constable Becky Riggs would continue to lead the force while its focus remained on responding to emergencies, investigating crime and supporting victims.

Mr Adams said the conclusion of the independent process would allow the force to move forward.

“Public confidence in policing is vital, so all allegations of misconduct must be fully and independently investigated. That process must apply to everyone, regardless of rank or status,” he said.

He added that he would now begin the process of appointing a permanent chief constable to provide “the permanence and stability needed in the force’s leadership”.

NPCC Chair, Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, said: “The exit of the former chief constable of Staffordshire Police following gross misconduct is deeply concerning. As chief constable, he held the highest rank in his force, alongside national responsibilities. That fact alone is extremely worrying for us all.

“Those in policing, especially in positions of leadership, must be held to the highest possible standards. Due to ongoing IOPC investigations, and reporting restrictions, I am limited in what I can say at this stage, so our efforts now are to support those who are affected by this case, and to ensure that any further reports are dealt with effectively.

“We know that there is more for us to do and further for us to go to ensure that officers and staff, as well as members of the public, feel confident to report wrongdoing, regardless of rank. Ensuring robust disciplinary action is taken is crucial in sending a clear message that such behaviour will not be tolerated.”