Editor’s note, February 2018: following publication of this article, Giles Webster has asked us to point out that there has been no finding of any wrongdoing on his part and that an employment tribunal judgment, dated January 2018, records that he was unfairly and wrongfully dismissed.

POLICE have said that they looked into allegations against top bosses at York’s Benenden and decided not to continue with any further inquiries.

The Press reported on Saturday that the mutual healthcare society had terminated the contracts of chief executive officer Marc Bell and chief financial officer Giles Webster, following a lengthy investigation into what were described as serious allegations.

Now North Yorkshire Police has said that following a ‘scoping exercise’ that began last July and concluded this April, the force ‘did not find evidence that would meet the threshold of criminality.’

It said that it would therefore ‘not conduct further investigation,’ and added: “The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and Prudential Regulatory Authority (PRA) were updated during the exercise and at its conclusion.”

A Benenden spokesman said yesterday: “Benenden confirms that North Yorkshire Police commenced inquiries into this matter in 2016.

“Benenden cooperated fully throughout. The police confirmed in late April of this year that they did not wish to pursue their inquiries any further.”

The FCA and PRA both declined to comment.

Mr Webster said yesterday:“I understand that North Yorkshire Police provided a routine update to the PRA and FCA following its decision not to open an investigation. I have not been contacted by the PRA or FCA.”

Mr Webster said previously that Benenden’s investigation had been based on anonymous allegations, with no opportunity for him to respond or even participate, and he contested any allegation of wrongdoing.

Mr Bell said yesterday: “It appears to me that there is a malicious campaign from an unknown source to tarnish the reputation of the society and its former officers. They are clearly misinformed and for the avoidance of doubt, I was never under a police or FCA/PRA investigation.

“I have settled with the society on terms we were both happy with after my eight years of service. As previously reported, I wish them all the best in their future journey.”

The society, which employs about 260 people at its offices in Holgate Park, said in a statement last week that it had commissioned legal and forensic experts to carry out an independent investigation which was ‘robust and complex.’

It said that based on the findings, the board decided to terminate the CEO and CFO’s contracts in April and interims were appointed to ensure the continued smooth running of the society, as it began the process of recruiting a new permanent CEO and CFO.

None of the parties have revealed any details of the nature of the allegations.