Phil Gormley, the former chief constable of Police Scotland who resigned in February amid multiple investigations into alleged gross misconduct, has been appointed to HM Inspectorate of Constabulary, the watchdog that oversees policing standards in England and Wales.
Gormley stepped down 10 months before the end of his contract, denying the bullying claims but stating they made it “impossible to resume my duties in a meaningful way.” He was subject to five separate probes by the Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (PIRC), Scotland’s equivalent of the Independent Office for Police Conduct.
Despite the controversy, Gormley underwent a lengthy selection process, including an interview with Home Secretary Sajid Javid, and was appointed as an inspector for the north of England. A Home Office spokesperson said he was selected “following a stringent recruitment process, which followed the Office of the Commissioner for Public Appointments code of practice.”
Gormley said: “Policing and public service have been my life’s work, so I am delighted to be appointed by Her Majesty. I look forward to working with colleagues at the Inspectorate and across policing and fire and rescue to continue to improve these vital services.”
The PIRC had been due to make recommendations on whether Gormley should face a misconduct hearing, but his resignation made potential disciplinary action impossible. A PIRC spokesperson said the allegations were “independently and thoroughly investigated,” and reports were passed to the Scottish Police Authority (SPA) in February. The SPA declined to comment on whether the findings would be made public.
Gormley previously led Norfolk Constabulary and served as deputy director general of the National Crime Agency. He was awarded the Queen’s Police Medal and also served as deputy chief constable at West Midlands Police.
