Surrey Police Federation

Industrial rights ballot & the need for early consultation

The Home Secretary has ratified the decision of the Police Arbitration Tribunal, including that the negotiations regarding Compulsory Severance will continue until July. I don't hold out any hope whatsoever of a consensus on this issue. The national ballot on Industrial Rights takes place throughout February. I have made my personal views on this clear but to re-iterate I see it as an issue of fairness - if you want to give us Compulsory Severance then expect us to demand Industrial Rights.

Discussions continue with the force on various subjects and I was very pleased to hear recently that, following negotiations between the Federation and the force, Spit Hoods will be getting rolled out (timescales and details to be confirmed).

I have highlighted my concerns to the force regarding the amount of hours being worked by certain officers. With one team I have asked for details on A/L & RDILs outstanding, periods of rest and opportunities for training. I await clarification before taking things further (as necessary).

There is a need for leaders to recognise the benefit of early consultation with staff via the Federation. Some leaders do it as a matter of course and I am truly grateful for this. With some it's sporadic and for others it is at best an afterthought or at worst a tick in the box. Any change is easier to bring about if officers at the grass roots level are involved in any developments from an early stage and I would urge managers to consider this when planning for change, big or small.

Finally, I am starting 2013 asking for the views of officers on what they would like to see Surrey Police Federation focus on this year. There is a topic on the Connect forum and I welcome your views on this. Stay safe.

FEDERATION SMARTPHONE APP LAUNCHED

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRESENTATION ON THE NEW FEDERATION SMARTPHONE APP

As you are all aware Winsor Part II Report (W2) was released last month.  A document of Titanic proportion destined to push the police service in one direction – downwards!

Mr. Winsor’s document is over 1,000 pages long with a host of various recommendations.

The former Rail Regulator Mr. Winsor had a similar remit in his previous role, which was a new regulatory agenda, one which contemplated holding railway companies much more closely to account. It also involved radical changes to the regulatory and contractual matrix for the privatised industry, replacing enforcement regulation with incentives, and changing the financial, contractual and licensing environment in which the industry operated.

No doubt this gives the author the necessary authenticity and qualifications to make such recommendations in his police reform report.

Negotiations are now underway and the ice-bergs will need to be avoided at all cost, if we want to protect the future of policing in England and Wales. As I see it, W2 document fails to understand the wider concept regarding the complexity and experience required to deliver policing in the 21^st Century.  I believe Winsor also does not fully grasp or understand the concept of the ‘office of Police Constable.’

Mr Winsor having changed course now accepts the office of constable should remain. However in W2 he then discusses the feasibility of merging police regulations and employment law, i.e. the source of the fundamental difference between police officers and support staff.  This becomes in my opinion, costly, divisive and bureaucratic.

The office of constable means police officers do not have contracts of employment but terms and conditions, including pay, are enshrined within police regulations made by the Home Secretary. The absence of employment contracts and the ability of the Home Secretary to alter or amend police regulations is the reason for the unique negotiating machinery, namely the Police Negotiating Board (PNB) and Police Arbitration Tribunal (PAT).

Mr Winsor recommends a replacement of PNB by a Pay Review Body (PRB), with its terms of reference - no doubt - loaded heavily in favour of current Government policy.  In 2008 a ballot was held for binding arbitration and in the event of a failure to achieve this, industrial rights. The proposed PRB will not have arbitration, binding or otherwise. The recommendation would be an end to any future collective bargaining to be replaced with “be grateful for what you’re about to receive”.

The majority of police Officers that have contacted the Federation office are now all calling for full employee rights despite the fact we explain the Home Secretary has been explicit in stating she will not give us the 'right to strike' on the grounds of National Security.  Federated Members now believe they would have more rights, entitlements and protections under a contract of employment supported by full employment legislation, than they are likely to enjoy under Police Regulations in the future.  In summary we are running out of life boats!

Although, I personally do not advocate industrial action as an option for cops, the issue in question has now been forced upon us. This is why the Police Federation will hold a National Ballot to seek clarity from our members as to whether this is what you all want.

If the ballot outcome is a definitive ‘yes’ to full industrial rights pursuing this option will not deliver anything quickly and seeking rights through European legislation will take a number of years.

I will update you all on the specific issue of industrial rights when appropriate. I will also ensure you are all kept fully informed and have the opportunity to make you views known. Further information can be found on SPF web-site www.surreypf.co.uk .

As you are all now painfully aware, we lost a colleague and friend on Sunday night.

Heather Cooper was one of the best, not only professionally as a police officer, but as a person. Always up for a laugh and always a smile, her healthy outlook on life and the job was something many of us could only envy.

Known to many as a close friend but to many more as a dedicated, commited and professional colleague, she will be sorely missed by all those whos lives she touched.

Our thoughts are with her children and her family at this terrible time. Surrey Police Federation offer the deepest of sympathies to all of her family but also to you, her friends in Surrey Police. May Heather rest in peace.

Cheques made payable to Surrey Police Federation Orphans Donations
Account can be posted to

Surrey Police Federation PO Box 101 Guildford Surrey
GU1 9PE.

Money can be donated on line to Unity Trust Bank Account No. 20272892
Sort Code 08-60-01

We are now running the charity auction to raise even more funds for the children.  Please click on the relevant news story pages or below, to see items available for auction.

http://www.surreypf.co.uk/index.php?mact=News,cntnt01,detail,0&cntnt01articleid=100&cntnt01origid

=56&cntnt01detailtemplate=Sample&cntnt01returnid=56

All these details will be added to our website in the next two days
www.surreypf.co.uk

ANY EMAIL ENQUIRIES TO SurreyPoliceFederation@polfed.org

Many thanks for giving your support to this worthwhile cause.

Does History Repeat?
Throughout the past 100 years, the police service has evolved through constant reform and modernisation. Concurrently the Federation has been the moving spirit in achieving due recognition and reward for the rank and file. The Federation has always worked extremely hard towards improving police officers ‘terms and conditions,’ a necessary but essential task.
In 1916 the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, Sir Edward Henry, warned a senior government minister, "Troublesome times are ahead, and it is particularly important to keep the police happy." The Government at that time having failed to provide an adequate living wage for police officers’ during those wartime years.
Does history repeat itself? Tom Winsor recently published ‘Call for Evidence’ part 2’ highlighting what he believes would benefit the police service. This second phase of the Winsor Review into police pay and conditions also recommends regular fitness tests and shorter contracts for police officers. The overall aim of Winsor’s second phase proposals is to create a more flexible police workforce. He proposes ending the requirement for all recruits to join as trainee constables.
These concepts are not new and have been raised by previous think tanks, academics and ACPO. The ideas shouldn’t be dismissed without giving due regard to the long term benefits  for the service and the public alike.  With this in mind Surrey Police Federation (SPF) invites and encourages you all to read Winsor part two document and answer the ‘yes’ or ‘no’ button to proposed questions placed onto our website www.surreypf.org.  This will allow the SPF to collate your feedback as evidence, feeding it directly back to Leatherhead and forward onto Winsor think tank.
The Police strikes of 1918 and 1919 benefited police officers.  They received a pay increase that doubled their wages and the government was forced to take notice of the importance of the police in terms of the government's own stability. Shortly afterwards saw the advent of the Police Federation and the service was denied by law the right to take any industrial action in the future, relying solely on the force of persuasion.
Whilst other public sector workers will be involved in industrial action this summer, our members will no doubt be policing these demonstrations and picket lines. This is one reason why the police service is ‘a special case’ having to face similar issues at the same time upholding law & order.  Indeed we face even more stringent challenges in that not only do we have a two year pay freeze and possible reduction of pension benefits, but we also face a significant reduction in pay through the Winsor part one proposals.

Whether we like it or not, the landscape of policing has undergoing change. The Police Federation will play a key part in negotiating and influencing continued change, but in order to do so we need to actively survey our membership to find out what you want us to fight for on your behalf.
We should all feel concerned as to what would happen to our service if these proposals are implemented. The National Police Federation of England & Wales has organised an open meeting in Westminster on 13 July 2011 to canvas MPs regarding these important issues. It is your view that counts, let us all ensure we get the chance to have our say whilst the opportunity presents for us to do so. I urge you all to be proactive in your support for the federation during this time of change and to make your views known to us.

HUTTON REPORT CLICK HERE

SURREY RESPONSE TO WINSOR PDF

WINSOR REVIEW PDFS BELOW WITH FULL REPORT PUBLISHED TODAY MAKES INTERESTING, WORRYING AND DISTURBING READING!

• WINSOR REVIEW PART 1
• WINSOR REVIEW PART 2
• WINSOR REVIEW PART 3
• WINSOR REVIEW PART 4
• WINSOR REVIEW PART 5

ACPO RECCOMENDATIONS TO WINSOR REPORT. CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD PDF

ASSOC OF POLICE AUTHORITIES CLICK HERE FOR PDF

PoPolice officers anger at Home Secretary's double speakResponding to the speech given this morning by Home Secretary Theresa May, Simon Reed, Vice-Chairman, Police Federation of England and Wales says; "Once again our trust in this government’s ability to play fair with the police has been undermined by the double speak of the Home Secretary, Theresa May, this morning. On the one hand she celebrates the amazing work done every day by the police, recognising the incredibly tough job officers do, fighting crime and facing danger. Yet she sees fit to reward them with pay cuts and uncertainty over their terms and conditions.

"It has taken 40 years to build fair and reasonable terms and conditions for police officers that encourages recruitment and helps retain those with the most experience. This has resulted in record numbers of police officers, but this government seems intent on turning the clock back four decades in four years.

"Instead of waiting for the Winsor Report to be published next week the Home Secretary has showed her hand and appears set to forge ahead with her own agenda; cutting the pay and terms and conditions of police officers as well as cutting police numbers. This makes a mockery of the independent report Mr Winsor has undertaken and the engagement with police stakeholders.

"The hollow words of praise from the Home Secretary are meaningless today. She has made police officers across the country feel completely undervalued."lice officers anger at Home Secretary's double speakResponding to the speech given this morning by Home Secretary Theresa May, Simon Reed, Vice-Chairman, Police Federation of England and Wales says;

"Once again our trust in this government’s ability to play fair with the police has been undermined by the double speak of the Home Secretary, Theresa May, this morning. On the one hand she celebrates the amazing work done every day by the police, recognising the incredibly tough job officers do, fighting crime and facing danger. Yet she sees fit to reward them with pay cuts and uncertainty over their terms and conditions.

"It has taken 40 years to build fair and reasonable terms and conditions for police officers that encourages recruitment and helps retain those with the most experience. This has resulted in record numbers of police officers, but this government seems intent on turning the clock back four decades in four years.

"Instead of waiting for the Winsor Report to be published next week the Home Secretary has showed her hand and appears set to forge ahead with her own agenda; cutting the pay and terms and conditions of police officers as well as cutting police numbers. This makes a mockery of the independent report Mr Winsor has undertaken and the engagement with police stakeholders.

"The hollow words of praise from the Home Secretary are meaningless today. She has made police officers across the country feel completely undervalued."

ENDS

PLEASE LOOK AT THE NEWS LIKE MAIL ONLINE, SKY NEWS, BBC ETC FOR THE PRESS COMMENTS IT CLEARLY SHOWS THAT THE HOME SEC HAS ALREADY MADE UP HER MIND ABOUT POLICE PAY AND CONDITIONS BEFORE THE WINSOR REPORT IS EVEN PUBLISHED! WORK IS NOW BEING DONE TO ASCERTAIN JUST WHAT FORCES AND WHAT OFFICERS SHE HAS SPOKEN TO AS SHE STATES IN HER SPEECH, AS NO ONE AT CONSTABLES NATIONAL MEETING TODAY IS AWARE OF ANY FORCE VISIT! REPLY FROM MR MCKEEVER BELOW

The Home Sec is giving a speech today where she will re-iterate some old stories about ‘Spanish practices’ in the police in relation to pay, overtime etc.

It is clearly spin where she is trying to prepare the ground for the publication of the Winsor Report next week. The story was leaked to The Sun and Mail who have run the story today. You can read them online.

We have already had a few responses on the 'have your say' page. Topics covered are TPT shifts on Western changing yet again, Staff Survey not asking the right questions and ths issue of overtime not being offered correctly as per previous article here. Keep them coming please, as we can sue this evidence, completely confidentially. (if you dont put your name and collar number in the text, we have no way of knowing who its come from which was the idea so you can be sure of confidentiality)

We will compile and read all responses and use them as evidence when we meet with the senoir management as a true reflection of the morale, health and feelings of the workforce, something you may not have had the confidence to say before through internal email systems.

COLLEAGUES WE HAVE SEEN AND RECEIVED INFORMATION IN TO THE OFFICE THAT OVERTIME HAS BEEN ADVERTISED AND OFFERED FOR SHORT NOTICE DUTIES LESS THAN FIVE DAYS BUT NOT BEING PAID AT THE APPROPRIATE RATE OF DOUBLE TIME, TIME AND HALF BEING THE OFFER.

THIS IS CONTRARY TO POLICE REGS AS OVERTIME SHOULD ALWAYS BE PAID AT THE AGREED AND APPROPRIATE RATE

WE UNDERSTAND THE NEED FOR OFFICERS TO WORK WHAT THEY CAN IN MANY WAYS, PARTICULARLY IN THIS FINANCIAL CLIMATE, BUT PLEASE BEAR IN MIND THE FOLLOWING.

THE GOVERNMENT ARE ACTIVLEY PUSHING FOR MAJOR REDUCTIONS TO POLICE PAY AND CHANGES TO OUR CONDITIONS, WE ALL AWAIT THE WINSOR REPORT.

THE MORE OFFICERS WHO SHOW WILLING TO WORK FOR LESS THAN THE RECQUIRED RATE OF PAY. ARE PLAYING INTO THIS. EVIDENCE IS LIKLEY TO THEN BE PRODUCED TO THE GOVERNMENT AND WINSOR, SHOWING THAT OFFICERS ARE HAPPY TO WORK FOR LESS, LEADING TO AN INCREASED LIKELYHOOD OF SUCCESS, IN CUTTING OUR PAY AND CONDITIONS TO REFLECT THIS.

POLICE FEDERATION ADVICE IS THAT OVERTIME SHOULD NEVER BE ACCEPTED BY AN OFFICER UNLESS IT IS TO BE PAID AT THE RATE IT BRINGS AND THAT THE OFFER BEING MADE BREAKS POLICE REGULATIONS. WE ASK YOU ALL TO CONSIDER THIS WHEN YOU SEE THE ADVERTS FOR OVERTIME.

Dear Colleagues

As far as we are aware and from the Police Minister’s comments last week, the first phase of the Independent Review of Police Officers’ and Staff Remuneration and Conditions will still conclude on Monday 28 February with the publication of Tom Winsor’s interim report.

We trust that the evidence we have given in our two thoroughly-researched, comprehensive submissions will have led Mr Winsor to conclusions which will safeguard the future of the police service with a well-motivated force of warranted officers secure in their terms and conditions. These submissions are available on the PFEW website at: www.polfed.org

To ensure your views were heard, the PFEW has met with Mr Winsor and his team on several occasions over the course of this review, including the General Secretary attending the following seminars:

• 9 November – Deployment
• 10 November – Exit routes and pensions
• 11 November – Performance and post-related pay

If you wish to read more, the transcripts of those seminars are available at: http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/publications/police/police-remun-and-conditions/police-review-seminars/

In addition Mr Winsor has held bilateral talks with the PFEW Chairman and General Secretary on the following occasions:

• 4 October
• 22 November
• 13 January
• 1 February

We are confident that Mr Winsor fully understands the nature of our concerns and of the evidence we have presented to him. We trust that his independent report will similarly make evidenced recommendations that we can have confidence in for the benefit of policing.

A copy of this e-mail will be available on the PFEW website to update members.

Regards

Ian Rennie
General Secretary
Police Federation of E&W