Senior Lincolnshire police manager leaves force

A senior manager has left Lincolnshire Police after playing a key role in steps to outsource civilian jobs at the force.

Lincolnshire Police confirmed that its Director of Resources Peter Steed left on 31 December, but could not say if he resigned or took redundancy.

It comes a day after Chief Constable Richard Crompton announced his intention to retire on 31 March.

The outsourcing contract will take effect the following day, 1 April.

A spokesperson for Lincolnshire Police said: "The senior management team will now be rebalanced in light of the funding pressures facing all public bodies and the recently announced strategic partnership between the police authority and G4S, a partnership that Peter played a key role establishing.

"During his four years at the force Peter made an important contribution to policing in the county and was a valued member of the senior management team."

Mr Steed joined the force as its director of finance and administration.

Additional responsibilities

A year ago he took on additional responsibilities for human resources when his post was amalgamated with another. His title then changed to director of resources.

Last month, Lincolnshire Police Authority selected G4S as the preferred bidder for a £200m 10-year outsourcing contract.

The police authority hopes to sign the contract with G4S by the end of January and expects it to save £28m over 10 years.

Under the deal, more than half of the force's 980 civilian jobs are expected to transfer to the private security firm on 1 April.

Jobs to transfer will include human resources and finance, which Mr Steed had responsibility for.

No explanation

On Tuesday some police staff were sent an email saying Mr Steed had "left Lincolnshire Police" but it did not explain why.

A spokesperson for the police authority said they had nothing further to add to the agreed statement released by Lincolnshire Police.

Chief Constable Richard Crompton announced his intention to retire on Tuesday, saying that fresh leadership should have the opportunity to shape and develop the relationship between the force and G4S.

He joined Lincolnshire Police in August 2004 as Deputy Chief Constable.

A statement from the force said: "Mr Crompton has made his decision for both personal and professional reasons. Primarily however having led the force through great change, he believes it is now the right time to step aside and allow another to take up the reins.

"In April the force commences a new contract with the strategic partner and the Chief Constable believes it is right that fresh leadership has the opportunity to shape and develop that crucial relationship."