The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) has confirmed that former Chief Constable Scott Chilton will face a gross misconduct hearing following an investigation into alleged workplace relationships at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary. The IOPC said on 12 January 2026 that it found Mr Chilton ‘has a case to answer’ for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behaviour.
The IOPC’s findings relate to allegations of two sexual relationships with colleagues that Mr Chilton failed to disclose — one before he became chief constable and one after his appointment. The watchdog’s published summary says the allegations include having sex with an officer while on duty before he became chief constable and repeatedly and dishonestly denying the relationship while he was chief constable.
Mr Chilton retired with immediate effect on 7 April 2025, the same morning the IOPC notified him that he was under investigation. Although he has retired, the disciplinary process will proceed: the IOPC said it was for the Police and Crime Commissioner to arrange the disciplinary proceedings.
The PCC will be responsible for arranging the hearing and appointing a legally qualified chair (LQC) to preside. If a disciplinary panel finds gross misconduct proven, Mr Chilton could be placed on the College of Policing’s Barred List, which would prevent him from returning to policing while on that list; people placed on the barred list for conduct matters may be eligible to apply for review after a minimum period under the College’s rules.
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