A disciplinary panel has concluded that former Staffordshire Chief Constable Chris Noble committed gross misconduct and breached standards of professional behaviour, the panel found after a two-day hearing.
Resignation came before dismissal could be imposed
The panel determined that the allegations against Mr Noble were proven and serious enough that, had he still held the post, he would have been dismissed. Mr Noble resigned on Tuesday 28 July, the day before the hearing began, and did not attend the two days of proceedings which concluded on Thursday 30 July.
| Key dates | Event |
|---|---|
| 2021 | Mr Noble appointed Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police |
| 28 July 2026 | Resignation tendered |
| 29–30 July 2026 | Two-day disciplinary hearing at Yarnfield Park concluded |
Limited detail available
Reporting restrictions prevent publication of the specific allegations considered by the panel. Despite that limitation, the panel recorded that the facts alleged were found to be proven and amounted to breaches of professional standards at the gross misconduct level.
"I can confirm that I received Chief Constable Chris Noble's resignation, which I have accepted with immediate effect. Becky Riggs will remain as Staffordshire Police's Acting Chief Constable."
The statement above was issued by Ben Adams, the Staffordshire Commissioner for Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime, on 29 July, the day after the resignation was accepted. The commissioner has confirmed that Becky Riggs will continue in the role of Acting Chief Constable.
What this means locally
The outcome will prompt questions about leadership stability at Staffordshire Police and oversight arrangements for senior officers. The panel’s finding of gross misconduct is one of the most serious outcomes available in police disciplinary processes and, in practical terms, equates to conduct warranting dismissal.
- Mr Noble had led the force since his appointment in 2021.
- The hearing took place at Yarnfield Park Conference Centre.
- Becky Riggs remains as Acting Chief Constable following Mr Noble’s resignation.
As reporting restrictions remain in place, further public detail about the nature of the misconduct is not currently available. The commissioner’s confirmation of immediate acceptance of the resignation indicates the force will continue under acting leadership pending any subsequent appointments or actions by the Police and Crime Commissioner’s office.
Local residents and community groups with questions about policing leadership or oversight may look to the office of the Police, Fire and Rescue and Crime Commissioner for updates, while the force continues routine policing operations under acting management.
