Page 9 - West Midlands Police Federation: Here for you 2015

Personnel & Equalities Committee New regulations concerning officers on limited duties, the use of Regulation 28 to introduce half pay, and sickness levels - in particular in relation to mental health issues - have been three of the key concerns for the Personnel and Equalities Committee during 2015. It has also successfully lobbied for a change are held with a member of the Federation in the resolution policy with this process now Executive and a qualified solicitor. Over the being under review. past 15 months, we have helped 143 officers affected by these changes at these surgeries. The committee’s remit includes rank pay, Topics covered ranged from advice on legal promotions, consistency in the application action for personal injury to support regarding of regulations and ill-health retirements so, action on protected disclosures, Department once again, the year proved to be a busy of Work and Pensions matters, benefits and one. Made up of Federation representatives personal injury payments. Above all, we have of all ranks and across all areas of the Force, offered tactful support at times of need for the committee ensures all its members are many vulnerable officers. trained in dispute resolution and they will also receive extra training in some of the common We still have a long way to go, with the Force areas they deal with. The committee identified having written to 530 permanently restricted a skills gap in relation to the new pension officers who are likely to need our support, regulations (a new scheme came into force but our work in this area to date has placed in April) so a tailored training package will be us well to continue our essential support of provided throughout 2016. Regular meetings restricted officers. are held so that the committee can discuss issues brought to its members’ attention and Regulation 28 also identify any other matters that may affect The Regulation 28 process – through which officers. officers who have been off work for 26 weeks are put on half pay - has been looked at as The following summaries give an overview of an opportunity to review cases at an earlier the committee’s work during 2015. time. Rather than wait for 26 weeks then get involved, the Federation has lobbied for a Limited duties change in this process with earlier interaction In May new determinations come into force being prioritised. Now we have a smaller which if pursued could see officers lose eight workforce, this is essential in getting staff fit per cent of their pay (capped at the highest and back to work sooner. We have worked Constables pay) and ultimately exited from the with, and supported, more organisation should they remain permanently than 500 officers facing restricted. the prospect of half pay during 2015. The committee has negotiated successfully in this matter having been involved throughout Mental health the roll-out process. It worked with HR in Each day of 2015 saw ensuring this process provides an opportunity an average of 200 staff to support officers wanting to continue to off work with a stress- provide excellent service to the public and related illness. Levels of also offers real alternatives to those who are sickness in the Force unable to do so. have steadily increased with a high proportion As part of the Federation’s commitment to suffering mental illness. this process, “restricted officer surgeries” 9