Northants fire chief cleared in misconduct investigation
Nikki Watson will start in the role next week
Outgoing police, fire and crime commissioner has approved the appointment of new fire boss Nikki Watson after she was cleared of any wrongdoing by a police watchdog.
In one of his final acts, Stephen Mold signed off the appointment of former senior police officer Nikki Watson into her post. It means new commissioner Danielle Stone, who was elected to the post last Friday, will have no say on whether Nikki Watson, who has no operational fire experience is the right person for the job. Nikki Watson will start on May 16.
As exclusively reported by NN Journal, Watson, who is the former deputy chief constable of Avon and Somerset Police, was subject to a misconduct investigation by the Independent Office for police Conduct (IOPC) which began in October last year, following a referral by her former employer.
The investigation meant she did not attend her original confirmation in December, but Stephen Mold kept the investigation under wraps and did not inform the panel - who make the final decision on appointments - until hours before we published our story.
Despite the investigation, she was appointed by the police, fire and crime panel in February, subject to her being cleared of any wrongdoing.
Stephen Mold, who has been commissioner since 2017, decided not to stand as the Conservative candidate in this month’s election after NN Journal exposed he had called Nikki Watson a ‘bitch’ in a private meeting with firefighters. Prior to that he had faced serious opposition and protests from the Fire Brigades Union after promoting a close friend to the chief fire officer job.
Yesterday the IOPC said:
“We have now concluded our investigation into the conduct of a former senior Avon and Somerset Police officer regarding their attendance at a policing conference in 2023 and whether proper policies and procedures were followed.
“Our investigation began in October 2023 following a conduct referral from the force.
“As part of our enquiries, we gathered witness statements, email documentation, as well as analysing phone and digital data and relevant policy and procedures.
“Our investigation concluded in April 2024 and found that the senior officer had no case to answer in respect of any of the allegations."
The Northamptonshire Office of the Police, fire and crime commissioner said yesterday that it was informed of the conclusion of the investigation on April 18 by Watson’s lawyers and full vetting was started after that point.
NN Journal heard from a source that Watson has been in the office this week to be fitted for her uniform and intends to wear a fire service uniform, despite not having trained as a firefighter.
Adam Taylor from the East Midlands Fire Brigades Union said:
“Ultimately this is disappointing that the former PFCC Stephen Mold once again showed disregard for the Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue service and provided a contract to the incoming Chief Officer just days before receiving his own P45.
“We welcome the new era ahead, under a new PFCC, where previously unseen traits of honest, professional and capable governance expected by the Northamptonshire FBU to be at the centre of future decisions about their service.
“However, whilst clearing the IOPC complaint unblemished, the Northamptonshire FBU stance remains clear - that the most senior figure in the fire and rescue service must have fire service operational experience. This appointment continues to stifle progression in an already stagnant pool following the last few years under Mold.
“This appointment clearly puts the incoming PFCC in a difficult position.
“Firefighters will continue to campaign to protect the future of their service and prevent further blurring of police and fire service lines.”
Mold’s last working day was on Tuesday and the new Labour commissioner will start in post today.
On the campaign trail Danielle Stone promised to ensure community safety meetings will be open to the public and said she wanted to hold a meeting with chief officers from across the public services to discuss how to keep people safe.
After we published this story the commissioner’s office issued these statements:
Nikki Watson said:
“I am thrilled to be joining Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service, which plays such a vital role in keeping the community safe.
“I have devoted my whole career to public service. I am passionate about public safety, and I know that the firefighters and staff that I will lead are proudly committed to doing their best for the people of Northamptonshire. I’m looking forward to taking the Service forward to meet the challenges of this busy and growing county.
“I am also incredibly grateful to Simon Tuhill and the chief officer team for having shown great leadership through a challenging time for everyone. I’m looking forward to working with Simon and the new Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, Danielle Stone.”
Northamptonshire Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner Danielle Stone, said:
“I have satisfied myself that the recruitment process last year for the new Chief Fire Officer was carried out with integrity and rigour and I am happy to follow the proper process and welcome Nikki Watson to her new role.
“I will support Nikki in her work with the wider chief officer team, so that she can successfully drive forward the changes that will make our communities safer and create better, safer working environments for firefighters and staff.”
The Mold stink will linger a little longer than the voters wanted it seems ...
These last minute decisions by outgoing, disgraced people always smell of corrupt practice. As ever, the heroes have been led by donkeys and asses. They deserve much better.