Issue 3 of 2016

Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation | www.merpolfed.org.uk

Lest we forget National Police Memorial Day

Contents

Negotiation or Consultation 2

Message from the Chairman 4 About Insight Magazine: Injury Award – Police Injury Benefit Regulations 2006 6 Editor – Peter Singleton, JBB Chairman Producer – Paul Kinsella, Business Manager National Police Memorial Day 8

Does the Common Law Spouse exist? 11

Published by: One Day's Delay is Another Day's Lack of Progress 12 Merseyside Police Federation Malvern House Chief Constables Message to Members 14 13 Green Lane Liverpool, L13 7DT Merseyside Police Federation Charitable Trust 15 Tel: 0151 259 2535 Fax: 0151 228 0973 Group Insurance Scheme - An Essential Part of your www.merpolfed.org.uk Total Care Package 16

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: Why Choose a Package Holiday? 21

Merseyside-Police-Federation Equality Update 23 @merpolfed Your local Federation 24

Update from the Merseyside Police LGBT Network 28 Insight Magazine is produced by: United Awareness Publishing Refuge House, 33-37 Watergate Row Chester, CH1 2LE

Tel. 01244 624022 www.uapl.co.uk

Insight is the magazine of Merseyside Police Federation. Its purpose is to keep our members informed on all that their Federation is involved in, to stimulate debate on relevant issues and promote member services. The views expressed in the magazine are those either of its component Boards, officers or representatives, unless otherwise stated. Contributions may be sent in confidence to the Editor, (who reserves the right to Important Information amend or edit all material as necessary, where possible with the consent of the In the event of arrest or interview, please consider the following points. contributor) at: Insight, Merseyside Police Federation, Malvern House, 13 Green Lane, Liverpool, L13 7DT. Federation telephone • It is in your interests to inform the Federation / Slater Gordon whatever numbers: +44 (0) 151 777 7500-04 the allegation. Your reps details are on page 32 or +44 (0) 151 259 2535. Federation, Fax number: +44 (0) 151 228 0973. • When you are given your rights we recommend you request Slater Gordon Solicitors who are Merseyside Police Federation retained solicitors.

They can be contacted 24 hour on:- 0800 908 977 N egotiation or Consultation

Tony Barton looks at the distinct difference between being consulted, and being able to negotiate. There is a BIG difference.

and must therefore take place before This then leads to engage in negotiation By Tony Barton, decisions are made. Consultation does not where the Police Federation can represent Secretary Merseyside mean that employees' views have to be on behalf the affected staff. We can Branch Board acted on since there may be good practical challenge anything that it is potentially or financial reasons for not doing so. unlawful and offer alternative solutions to Consultation requires a free exchange of those being proposed; eventually we should ideas and views affecting the interests of reach an agreed position. uring the recent changes to the force employees. An agreement with employees Dstructure the issue has been raised a does not have to be reached and an With regards to the recent changes to number of times about what the Federation organisation may introduce measures once the force structure and moving towards have agreed to, or not agreed to, and there consultation has taken place. a centralised functional model this appears to be some confusion about what decision was taken by Chief Officers takes place when we are having discussions The only reference to either of these without consultation or negotiation due with the force. processes in police regulations is that Chief to the financial constraints placed on Officers have to consult with the local the force by central government austerity As you are aware the police service is Branch Board before introducing changes. measures. Once made, the decision was governed by Police Regulations which set A typical example of this is in relation communicated to staff and we entered into out the legal position of what police officers to the introduction of a variable shift negotiations with the force to try and work are entitled to in relation to the terms and arrangement. with them to make the introduction of the conditions of their employment. changes the least impactive on staff as Regulation 22 Annex E possible. Most of the queries in relation to the (2 A chief officer may, after consulting interpretation of regulations can be readily with the joint branch board and members It is often very difficult when negotiating answered as they are written into statute affected, allowing them at least 30 days to on behalf of police officers due to the and challengeable in the courts if there is a make representations and taking account of nature of the role they perform in society. disagreement on the interpretation. the likely effects of the new arrangements It is frequently a fine balancing act of on their personal circumstances: recognising what the legal position is, When it comes to discussing matters with the officer’s well-being and the need to the force that are not contained within i) Announce that he intends to bring into provide an effective service to the public. police regulations then there are two operation variable shift arrangements for all It is also impossible when collective processes that are used - negotiation or or any particular class of members below bargaining to take account of all individual consultation. Although they may sound the rank of inspector. circumstances. similar these have two distinct separate interpretations; the following definitions ii) Bring the arrangements into operation Problems often arise when making pretence outline the different uses when engaging in not less than 30 days after the of consultation on issues that have already these processes: announcement. been decided; it is unproductive and engenders suspicion and mistrust about the Negotiation This example highlights that Police process amongst staff. General: Bargaining (give and take) process Regulations allow for Chief Officer’s between two or more parties (each with its to make decisions without needing to I hope this goes some way to explain own aims, needs, and viewpoints) seeking negotiate or reach agreement with the that a lot of the complexities that are to discover a common ground and reach Police Federation. However once that involved when negotiating on your behalf. an agreement to settle a matter of mutual decision has been made it is recognised Decisions made by the force are not always concern or resolve a conflict. that for any changes to be effective it is by negotiated agreement with the Police good practice to then negotiate the terms Federation but rather after consultation Consultation of the decision with affected staff to allow only — once decisions are made we then Consultation involves taking account of as them to have a say in how the changes will try to negotiate around the impact of such well as listening to the views of employees be implemented. decisions.

2 - Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation | www.merpolfed.org.uk www.merpolfed.org.uk | Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 - 3 Message from the Chairman Peter Singleton highlights the support provided by Merseyside Federation via our schemes.

are only part of the issue. The stresses By Peter Singleton, Resilience is and strains many of us (many of YOU) Chairman an important are under also take their toll over Merseyside Joint the years. Resilience is an important Branch Board requirement for a requirement for a Police Officer, but as individuals we are all different, and we Police Officer, but all have different tolerances of different k – I know I’m not as young as I stresses. Oused to be, but I’m not sure exactly as individuals we when I became aware of the fact. There The demands of shift-work take their toll certainly wasn’t a flash of light, roll of are all different, mentally as well as physically, the abuse thunder or any apocalyptic moment when and we all have we endure, the assaults we sustain, it hit me, but recently I’ve noticed that the increasing workloads that are the things aren’t as they used to be. different tolerances result of having 1000 fewer officers on Merseyside, the worry and strain when For instance, I still (occasionally) run up of different stresses. a complaint – no matter how frivolous a flight of stairs, but I’m now breathless or malicious – is made, all of these take at the top and have to take a couple of about your role as a Police Officer. You their toll psychologically. deep breaths to recover, thus wasting the see I still run (well, jog) a bit and still go time I’ve saved by running up them in to the gym occasionally to keep healthy It doesn’t get any better when we all the first place. I’ve also started to make and in some sort of condition, as I still have to put up with the changes in the odd groaning or sighing noises when I sit have to pass the Job Related Fitness way we work, changes in the technology down, get up, open a reluctant door or Test so I can keep my POL2 qualification we use, the changes to the structure of lift anything heavier than a small sack of current. Merseyside Police of when and where spuds, which is all the more depressing we will work, and the uncertainty and when I realise I now make more noises Now no longer being as young as I worry of how we will continue to provide just moving around than I do when once was means that slight ‘twinges’ the excellent service to the public that having se… erm … being intimate. or strains of muscles that I used to be you still, despite the above, manage to able to shrug off, are becoming painful produce day after day. All these issues If you think that’s bad then don’t even injuries that reduce my ability to train result in the psychological stresses and mention my bladders reduced capacity. and take far longer to recover from. And strains we are under that I mentioned I used to be able to drink what I I’m lucky – I’ve never had a really bad earlier. wanted, when I wanted, and still get injury (at least not in the last 18 years) an uninterrupted seven or eight hours and I don’t have any medical problems Locally and nationally these issues sleep, where now, even if I avoid drinking like arthritis or osteoporosis that would are causing some concern, and rightly anything after about 8pm I’ll still be up seriously affect my fitness and training. so. Nationally there has been a 14% at 02.30 for a pee (and again at 05.00 So suddenly this getting old (or at least increase in Police Officers signed off if I’m unlucky). not being as young) can affect me, and work for mental health related illnesses, therefore you, in our roles as serving including stress, anxiety, depression and Now you may think none of this matters Police Officers. PTSD. Policing is stressful, Policing is – and in a way you are quite correct, but demanding, and officers should expect it does start to matter when you think But don’t forget that the physical issues to be supported. That is not always the

4 - Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation | www.merpolfed.org.uk case for some of our colleagues around access to Red Arc for bespoke counselling So life as a UK Police officer in 2017 the country. and treatments if required, while it also isn’t all sunshine and flowers. It’s hard, gives access to Kinsella Clarke to assist it’s stressful, it’s demanding and it’s You may have read about the Chief Con officers with financial advice; as let’s not tough. But Merseyside Police Federation, who Tweeted “You’re allowed to leave and forget, sometimes it’s not just work that with the support of Merseyside Police the seek another job … dry your eyes, do the can cause stress. organisation, is aware of how tough it can job and move on”, and unfortunately this be and the pressures you may be under at individual was not alone. A PCC, a DCC The North West Police Benevolent Fund times. and a Chief Supt have recently said or provides members with a range of services written in similar vein, that stress is almost that includes locally delivered counselling We have support in place for our members, imagined, that psychological complaints and physiotherapy as well as providing, in so if you feel that you’re suffering from are “the new bad back” excuse for some cases of real need and hardship, loans, stress, depression or anxiety and need people who just fancy a break from work or in special cases, grants. The force psychological support, or if you’ve suffered without using leave. supplements this service and also provides an injury or have a medical condition that counselling at our Green lane office one could be assisted by physiotherapy, then That is fortunately not the case here on day a week to ease the pressure on the get in touch with the office at Green Lane. Merseyside, where not just the Chief other two providers. We cannot claim to have the solution to all Constable but the whole Chief Officer problems you currently may face, but we team are aware of these pressures. They Merseyside Federation members have also will always do our best, and we will always appreciate the efforts we at the Federation been amongst the most frequent users of be here to support our members. are making to help and support officers the national Federations Welfare Support who feel these pressures and suffer as a Programme, a 24 hour seven days a week Stay safe. result. telephone support service exclusively available to Police Officers and their Our Group Insurance scheme provides families.

www.merpolfed.org.uk | Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 - 5 Injury Award – Police Injury Benefit Regulations 2006 It is a regrettable fact that police duty can give rise to incidents in which officers sustain injury through no fault of their own.

periods, to write, read, use the telephone Many officers are still unaware of their By Dave Sim, and to use (or learn to use) IT; Industrial Injury entitlements and as a Deputy Secretary result officers are financially missing • The ability to run, walk reasonable out and are potentially in the longer distances, and stand for reasonable term putting themselves at risk. You periods; may be able to claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) if: uch incidents can occur in many • The ability to make decisions and Sdifferent ways, whether on police report situations to others; • You were employed when the accident premises, through assaults, road traffic or event happened. collisions, as a result of faulty police • The ability to evaluate information and equipment or through the negligence of to record details; • You were on an approved employment other officers. In my previous article I training scheme or course when the described the process around ill health • The ability to exercise reasonable accident or event happened. and the potential outcomes. At times, physical force in restraint and retention ill health retirement comes about as a in custody; • The work accident or event that caused result of any of the above injuries on your illness or disability happened in duty. • The ability to understand, retain and England, Scotland or Wales. explain facts and procedures. The following describes how an injury If you are injured at work you must record award may be made: Permanency is exactly what it says and the details of the injury or accident on in most cases there will be extensive the Force reporting system. Many of you “Where an officer ceases to be a member medical evidence available both within will say that minor cuts and bruises for of a police force, and is permanently the force, and with GP and hospital example, will cause no lasting harm. disabled as a result of an injury received, records to show permanency. I do believe However, if they do cause lasting harm that is not the officer's own fault, and that permanency is much easier to show and the matter is not recorded properly the injury was sustained in the execution in physical injury type conditions, and then your position at work (should of his duty, the officer shall be entitled much harder to show in psychological sickness issues be relevant), or your to a gratuity, and in addition to an injury conditions for a variety of reasons. future appropriate pension arrangements pension.” could be in jeopardy. It would be my Please remember that by virtue of advice to report all injuries, no matter how In this context a gratuity means a tax Regulation 6, Police (Injury Benefit) slight they seem at the time. free lump sum paid once. An injury Regulations 2006, with reference to pension would be a continuing annual “injury received in the execution of duty In conclusion, please follow the three R’s: payment paid on a monthly basis. by a member of a police force” means an injury received in the execution of that Report the injury to the Force/DWP/CICA The process for whether an officer is person's duty, while on duty or while on (Where applicable) as soon as practicable. “permanently disabled” follows the a journey necessary to enable him/her to same way described in my last article report for duty or return home after duty. Record the impact of the injury over your around ill health. Any of the following It should be noted that an injury whilst career/retirement. key capabilities would render an officer engaged in sport, no longer constitutes disabled for the ordinary duties: an Injury on Duty, unless it was with Retain both force reports and medical regard to participating in an activity as records in relation to the injury. • The ability to sit for reasonable part of training (e.g. PSU training).

6 - Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation | www.merpolfed.org.uk www.merpolfed.org.uk | Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 - 7 National Police Memorial Day The National Police Memorial day took place on Sunday the 25th September at St Pauls Cathedral. Here are some images that reflect the day. The family of Dave Phillips were our guests.

8 - Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation | www.merpolfed.org.uk www.merpolfed.org.uk | Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 - 9 10 - Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation | www.merpolfed.org.uk Does the Common Law Spouse exist? Common-law marriage hasn't existed in Britain since 1753, yet the belief that it does is widespread.

Declaration of Trust) is a legal agreement cohabitees are very different to divorcing By Georgina Chase, that can be used to specify how a couples. Generally you will only be Principal Lawyer property is held between joint owners. looking at assets held in joint names and in Family Law, They can include specific information claims are limited to those under the Slater and Gordon such as each party’s contributions laws of property and trusts. towards the purchase price or their respective shares in the property, for It is vital that careful thought is given to o one acquires rights over someone example. the above matters prior to cohabitation. Nelse's property simply by living with Whilst it may be ‘unromantic’ to plan them, so it is important to consider your Moving in with a partner who owns for a possible separation, more couples position before you decide to cohabit. property in their sole name or jointly with are acknowledging that it something of a another? necessary evil. Below is a short guide for anybody planning to move in with their partner: • Consider what will happen if the It is far better to agree your respective relationship breaks down intentions and plans from the Joint tenants or tenants in common? outset, than to separate and face • Does the legal title need changing? legal intervention and costly court If you own the property as joint tenants, proceedings. the property is held in equal shares – one • Will you be making financial tenant cannot have a larger ownership contributions towards the property and The best way to ensure that you are than another. A key concept in joint will these constitute as an interest? If protected when considering cohabitation tenancies is the right of survivorship. This there is no financial contribution, it is is to: means that if any one of the joint tenants unlikely that you will be able to establish dies, the remainder of the property any legal interest • Consider the above points carefully and transfers automatically to the survivor/s. ensure you have frank discussions with The transfer happens even if the joint • Do you have children with your your partner tenant provides for something different to partner? Will it be possible to bring an happen with his or her property in a Will. application for the benefit of the children • Consider entering into a cohabitation upon separation, if no agreement can be agreement which can detail how the If you own the property as tenants in reached? property is to be dealt with both during common, the property does not have to the relationship and upon separation be held in equal shares. For example, • Is there anything else about the one tenant in common can own 75% of property that you need to know? This is • Prepare a will the property and the other 25%. There is particularly important if the property is also no right of survivorship for tenants held in joint names with a third party, • It’s always best to seek legal advice in common and should one tenant in such as a former partner or spouse common die, his or her share of the For an initial consultation please call property passes under the terms of any Many people also ask whether there any Slater and Gordon Lawyers on Freephone Will, or on the intestacy rules. other financial claims upon separation? 0808 175 7710 or contact us online If there are children of the relationship, and we’ll be happy to help. Do I need a deed of trust? child maintenance will be payable by the ‘non-resident’ parent. Other than this, Alternatively you can contact us via your A Deed of Trust (also known as a it is doubtful. The rules for separating local federation.

www.merpolfed.org.uk | Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 - 11 O ne Day's Delay is Another Day's Lack of Progress

As we enter the last quarter of 2016, sadly I still have some of the same issues that were present in January and earlier, however the issue appears to be getting worse with no immediate solution available.

Can you imagine the police service getting officers put under investigation regarding By Dave Lowe, that authorised. The Home Office can see driving matters. Misconduct Lead nothing wrong with them; in fact they are Merseyside Branch increasing in size dramatically and taking The IPCC threshold for serving officers is Board more and more investigations on. extremely low, a broken finger is classed as a serious injury so if you are involved Will the day come soon when in an accident or a pursuit where the he Independent Police Complaints professional standards departments are bandit vehicle injures a member of TCommission (IPCC) and the time they no longer required? Well I can see that the public the force are duty bound take to investigate the most low level day not far off, with PSD’s being an to inform the IPCC. I don’t have to incidents — which quite frankly shouldn’t admin or s.p.o.c role for the IPCC. remind you of what will normally happen be given the time of day, yet because once they become involved. Please be of the low threshold required to serve The impact an investigation, no mindful in giving detailed statements officers and sometimes, dare I say it their matter how minor, has on an officer and documenting speeds emergency inability to carry out the most basic of is tremendous— it impacts on work, equipment which was activated and in tasks we see the length of investigations home and family life and impacts on what order etc. spiralling out of control. the way you are with your colleagues. Professional Standards are fully aware It’s easier to explain that the speed When an officer is served a notice of of this and we work together to move direction and emergency equipment that investigation by the IPCC they will always investigations on as quickly as possible was activated or utilised was recorded by provide the terms of reference which but in my experience the IPCC don’t the Incident data Recorder fitted to the also contains a target range for the have that grasp and impact assessment vehicle. You will at a later date be asked investigation. This might be a default that their delays have on officers. for an additional statement however you position of the computers they use as it will be in possession of the information almost always states 3-6 months. Don’t All I would ask is if you are suffering as at that time. be fooled by this, almost inevitably you a result of an investigation be under no can double this time scale at least. illusions we are fighting your corner but Please can I remind you of the get in touch and speak to us regarding requirement to drive within your training? What can we do as a federation? Well how you feel; please don’t suffer in There is no defence for you if it goes sadly there’s nothing really we can do. silence. Depending what you are signed wrong. It’s your personal driving licence However we are exploring legal advice up to with the Police Federation we can that’s at risk; at the end of the day ask regarding a possible remedy, however offer a range of services to assist both yourself the question is it worth it? It’s until we have this advice we remain in the you and your family if required. The force your choice. default position of writing, complaining also has a responsibility for you; there about the lack of movement or the delay is the occupational health unit who if You will no doubt have heard of the in the investigations. We have complained required you should be touching base Police Vehicle Driver Policy, but it might to the local commissioner, and in fact with. be worth you refreshing yourself with written to the head of the IPCC voicing it along with the college of policing our concerns yet they fall on deaf ears. Finally, since the last edition of insight Authorised Professional Practice (APP) There is no internal complaints system; regarding witness or suspect we have regarding Road Policing and Police they investigate themselves and they have seen an officer receive a sanction of pursuits. no sanctions. driving outside of his training and

12 - Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation | www.merpolfed.org.uk www.merpolfed.org.uk | Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 - 13 Chief Constables Message to Members

Chief Constable Andy Cooke explains to members the unprecedented structural changes to Merseyside Police.

the best we can be, we need to look after bureaucracy whilst increasing our By Andy Cooke, our people. Without YOU we cannot deliver efficiency. Chief Constable the quality of service that the community need and quite rightly deserve. Similarly we will have one Detective Chief Superintendent responsible for We are introducing the new operating the whole of the force Investigative model in January 2017. This is the resources, allowing for the flexible n the next three months we will be beginning of our journey to provide a deployment of Detectives across the Iembarking upon the largest scale modern police force with traditional values, entire force area based upon the of change that the force has ever placing the community at the heart of threat, harm and risk posed to our experienced and we are all going through everything we do. The operating model will communities. At the same time as the a period of uncertainty and nervousness. help take pressure off staff as we move very tangible changes, I continue to drive towards a one team approach with staff advancement in technology to support I’m no different to everyone else. After 31 supporting each other across portfolios to service delivery. Rollout of handheld years in the job I’m set in my ways and share the burden of work. devices and laptops has been very used to doing things in a certain fashion, successful and work continues to develop but I know that we can’t carry on as we The current geographically based the available applications in order to are. This force was created in 1974 when structure has served us well, but you are maximise your efficiency and enable the world of crime was very different. constrained by internal boundaries on a you to work visibly in the community as map. The new model will ensure that we opposed to inside police stations. More than four decades later the have the right people in the right places challenges facing officers in the force are in order to meet fluctuating demands. There is no doubt that protecting very different. It is not right or fair for communities vulnerable people is a high priority for us that staff in one local authority area can going forward and we need to recognise Technology has changed beyond struggle to answer calls for service when vulnerability at the earliest possible recognition, people communicate in new there are other staff available across the opportunity. Early intervention through and alternative ways and the complexity force who could assist with that demand. partnership working will ensure that the and diversity of what you are having to deal Borderless policing will give us flexibility most vulnerable people in our communities with out on the streets has increased. and resilience and ensure that we are access the right services and receive the able to respond quickly and effectively to support they need when they need it. I’m not going to shy away from the incidents. fact that we have lost more than 1500 There are many challenges in the weeks officers and staff since 2010 and things Equally, the introduction of the response and months ahead and at times it won’t aren’t going to be easy, that is why we and resolution shift pattern, with be easy. I know it won’t be perfect and we will be going through this wholesale staggered shift starts will mean that we will need to be alert to the critical areas transformation. With fewer resources will no longer have periods of time when of business that we need to get right. But we need to be smarter, we need to have whole shifts are handing over, providing I also know that this force is made up processes in place to support our officers increased visibility to communities and of officers and staff who are passionate and staff on the ground and we need to resilience for you. and care about what they do and that is ensure that we give our officers and staff half the battle. By working together as the right training and welfare support Retaining local policing in all areas, but one team I am confident that with your throughout this transitional period. reducing the senior command structure continued support and commitment we from five Chief Superintendents to can make this work to the benefit of our In order to serve our communities and be one, reduces management costs and communities.

14 - Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation | www.merpolfed.org.uk Merseyside Police Federation Charitable Trust Some of the recent work our Charity has been involved in together with a list of Lottery winners this year. Contact the Fed Office if you would like to join and help us achieve our causes.

2016 LoTTERy Winners:

January Con 2953 P Almond £500.00 Pen A J Doherty £250.00

February Pen D J Williams £500.00 Sgt 8447 G Jones £250.00

March Insp 2019 L Schofield £250.00 Pen D A Tsang £500.00

April Pen J Edwards £500.00 Con 6887 P M McElroy £250.00

May Pen M B Parker £500.00 Con 7983 G M Keegan £250.00

June Pen R D Torpey £500.00 Pen J Byrne £250.00

July Sgt 4685 L A Hooley £500.00 Pen M E Ellison £250.00

August Pen James Riley £500.00 Pen S P Rimmer £250.00

September Pen P Tarbuck £500.00 Con 6363 C Wright £250.00

October Pen A R Davison £500.00 Con 2036 Sally Leisk £250.00

www.merpolfed.org.uk | Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 - 15 Group Insurance Scheme - An Essential Part of your Total Care Package

One of the key benefits long associated with being a subscribing member of the Police Federation is the opportunity to subscribe, separately, to the Group Insurance Scheme.

his popular benefit is primarily Ta package of insurance, partly administered by your federation staff, arranged and negotiated on your behalf by your local branch board officials, who are the Trustees of the scheme. Benefits may be set which the Trustees feel are most cost-effective and appropriate for the Force area; for example, the life insurance cover on the Merseyside scheme is set at a basic level of £100,000, but there is also a very cost effective top-up facility for those members who wish to increase this level of cover to £150,000. This keeps premiums at a reasonable level for all members, whilst also providing the flexibility for those who require more to cover that risk from our individual Group Insurance is written on a Trust life insurance. As is appropriate for resources. How many of us would Basis, meaning members subscribe to those engaged in policing, payment is realistically be able to save a £100,000 the trust to gain the benefits set by made when death arises from any cause, sum in the event that we die or are killed the Trustees; through this arrangement, including CBRN events or even in the on duty? the Trustees are also able to provide tragic event of a member committing additional benefits to members not suicide. However, the principle of paying covered by the insured products. These sufficient premium to cover claims does additional benefits have included the The principle of insurance is a relatively mean that the number of claims paid by purchase of Green Lane to provide simple one; it involves a group of insurers will influence the premiums we confidential meeting facilities for people who wish to be protected for all pay to cover that risk. Nevertheless, members who may not want to meet an identified risk, who then agree to insurance arranged on a true group basis on Force premises; in recent years, it pay a premium based on the likelihood is better value for money and far cheaper has also provided further improvement and potential costs of a claim. Whilst than trying to arrange similar cover as an to those meeting facilities, including everyone paying premiums is covered individual member or a small group. In the provision of local physiotherapy should they need to claim, for insurance a recent comparative exercise, a typical at Green Lane, and the availability of to work the premiums paid by the many 40-year-old in good health could save in an independent counselling service. will pay for the claims of the few. This the region of £1,000 per year based on It has also paid for the purchase and means that we all pay a smaller amount similar products available, and arranged availability of cottages in the Lake in monthly premium than if we tried on an individual basis. District, as well as the payment of

16 - Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation | www.merpolfed.org.uk individual awards to members who have You will have access to the same specialist been seriously injured in the execution The group solicitors, and whether it is an on- or off- of duty, or who have had difficult life insurance duty matter, subscribing members will be situations where help is not available able to rely on the support and advice of elsewhere. scheme has been a trained and fully indemnified Federation Representative at all stages of the process. As austerity and budget cuts have affected in place for many the welfare provision provided by Force The group insurance scheme has been and other public services, these additional years, and the in place for many years, and the insured benefits have become increasingly insured products products are tried and tested, continuing important and have meant officers have to provide vital support to police officers continued to be supported via the Trust are tried and tested, and their families. and Federation. continuing to Most members choose to subscribe to the Since 2011, Philip Williams & Company scheme at the point they join the service, Insurance Management have administered provide vital support and remain in the scheme throughout the scheme on our behalf. They have a their service and into retirement, up to long-standing association and experience to police officers the maximum age for membership of the of managing Police Group Insurance and their families. scheme, which is currently 70. Schemes, and currently administer schemes for over 20 Police Federations By joining at the earliest opportunity, across the country. Through Philip Williams through the claims history for each area there is no requirement for you to be and Co., we have access to experienced of our scheme, this enables the Trustees underwritten, and this remains the case insurance claims handlers and account to take an active part in managing the so long as you continue to remain a managers, who have a vast amount scheme, ensuring all parts remain relevant member of the scheme. Each category of of knowledge and experience of both for your needs and premiums are set at member, i.e. serving or retired member or insurance and policing matters. In the appropriate levels that work for the insurer, a partner of a member, pays an identical event that problems arise, the support and whilst continuing to deliver value for subscription. advice they provide have proved invaluable money to you as a member. in resolving matters, often to the members’ Each category of member enjoys the benefit. This process is very transparent and has benefit relevant to that category and a proven track record of maintaining price individual premiums will not increase, even The appointment of Philip Williams saw stability, as demonstrated by the fact that if you need to claim or you have health many new benefits introduced into the in the past six years the price has risen problems, which increase the likelihood of scheme: Home Emergency, Red Arc Care by less than £4.00 per month, despite you making a claim. Service, Dental Emergency Cover and the inclusion of the new and enhanced a Motor Breakdown policy covering you benefits highlighted above. Unfortunately, there have been occasions and your partner in any vehicle. We also when members have not subscribed improved levels of cover for Critical Illness, Your scheme represents fantastic value for immediately, or cancelled their as well as Sick Pay Cover in the event that money and works in conjunction with your subscriptions for some reason —in such the Chief Constable reduces your pay to Federation Subscriptions and Benevolent circumstances, there is no automatic half or no pay. The products they provide Fund, to provide a total care package for right to re-join the scheme and insurers are tried and tested, and are amongst you and your family whatever challenges would require you to be underwritten the best available in the market, being life throws at you. with the possibility of refusing cover, if regularly reviewed and enhanced. For you have any underlying issues that may example, this year your travel cover was By way of example of how they operate give rise to a future claim. Whilst the enhanced with increased levels of cover for together, your Federation Subscriptions Trustees would endorse the scheme to cancellation and curtailment, as well as a will cover you for legal advice and you, perhaps the greatest testimony and more relaxed medical screening process. representation for any duty-related matter; recommendation comes from the fact This means that, even if you have a pre- there is no indemnity limit with this cover that over 90% of all Merseyside officers existing condition, this would not preclude and you have access to specialist solicitors, subscribe to the Group Insurance scheme, you from going on holiday, or be facing a who have operated and represented police and are protected by all the benefits the higher premium to travel, providing you officers for many years. The legal expenses scheme and the Federation provide to its can satisfy the conditions contained within cover contained within your Group members. your policy documents. Insurance Scheme will automatically step in and provide cover for non-duty related If you are not a member of the scheme, We meet with our scheme managers at matters, and if funding is not available but would like to join, please contact the Philip Williams on a quarterly basis to go from the Federation. Federation Office for further details.

www.merpolfed.org.uk | Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 - 17 www.merpolfed.org.uk | Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 - 18 www.merpolfed.org.uk | Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 - 19 20 - Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation | www.merpolfed.org.uk Why Choose a Package Holiday? In the unfortunate event that you or one of your holiday party suffers an accident or illness while abroad, there are legal benefits to choosing a package holiday.

What if You Haven’t Booked a Package By Paul McClorry, Holiday? Without travel Head of Travel at Slater and Gordon But what if misfortune strikes and you’re insurance, injured or suffer food poisoning on a holidaymakers could holiday that is not booked as a package? face substantial bills n English Law, the Package Travel In many cases, European regulations give IRegulations 1992 allow you to bring legal you rights to bring your claim in England if for a hospital stay, action against the tour operator irrespective you were injured in an EU member state, of whether the elements of the holiday whether you were a driver, passenger or medication and even were provided directly by them or one of pedestrian. repatriation, where their suppliers. This means that if you have an accident or suffer illness abroad which If you were injured in a hotel or other required. was caused by the hotel's negligence, a public area in a European country, such claim can be brought against the UK based as a water park, Adventure Park, bar or tour operator in this country if the hotel shopping centre, you may well be able was booked as part of a package holiday. to pursue your case in England directly underestimated, yet so many people don’t against the insurer. give it a second thought. Pricing for travel Your holiday is likely to be a package insurance is very competitive and there holiday if it: Time Limits and How to Avoid Them are a wide variety of policy types to choose from. • has been prearranged; and There is a three-year time limit for bringing a holiday compensation claim; this rule Without travel insurance, holidaymakers • has been sold for an inclusive price; and applies to all holidaymakers who book a could face substantial bills for a hospital package holiday with a UK-based tour stay, medication and even repatriation, • covers a periods of over 24 hours or operator. where required. overnight accommodation; and Many holidaymakers suffer the medical EHIC Card: Along with travel insurance, if • includes at least two of the following: costs and potential loss of earnings from you’re planning a trip to Europe you should transport, accommodation or other tourist time off work to recover from any injuries also consider a European Health Insurance services. or illnesses. Card (EHIC card) as part of your essentials when packing. An EHIC card is not a Your holiday may not be a package holiday The best advice for avoiding these costs replacement for travel insurance. It grants if it: and worrying about time limitations is to medical care relative to the same received plan ahead. Here are some practical tips to by locals depending on where you are in • is booked separately with different keep in mind when making your plans: the EU. providers; and Travel Insurance: The importance of Call us, on 0808 175 7805 • has not been sold at an inclusive price. taking out travel insurance cannot be or visit slatergordon.co.uk.

www.merpolfed.org.uk | Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 - 21 22 - Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation | www.merpolfed.org.uk E quality Update A Simplistic view of the Equality Act 2010 and how it may affect you (Part two).

b) The other circumstances of the case because of the earlier grievance. By Rob Venables, Welfare, Support c) Whether it is reasonable for the Additional Protection for Officers with and Equality Officer conduct to have that effect Disabilities

All protected characteristics except Duties to Make Adjustments (for Disabled marriage and civil partnership are covered Persons) ast time we looked at the Equality Act by the Harassment Section of the Equality L2010 and how it can give protection Act 2010. There are three parts to this duty: to Police Officers who have one (or more) of the Act’s defined nine protected Victimisation 1) Where a provision, criterion or practice characteristics: puts a disabled person at a substantial A person (A) victimises another (B) if disadvantage ... in comparison with • Age they subject that person to a detriment persons who are not disabled, to take such • Disability because: steps as it is reasonable to have to take to • Gender Reassignment avoid the disadvantage. • Marriage and Civil Partnership a) The person B with the protected • Pregnancy and Maternity characteristic has done a protected act or 2) There is a requirement that where a • Race physical feature puts a disabled person at • Religion or Belief b) The person A believes that B has done a substantial disadvantage ...in comparison • Sex or may do a protected act with persons who are not disabled, to take • Sexual Orientation. such steps as it is reasonable to have to A protected act is defines as: take to avoid the disadvantage. We looked at the definition of Direct Discrimination and Indirect 1) Bringing proceedings under the 3) Where a disabled person would, but Discrimination. Equality Act 2010. for the provision of an auxiliary aid, be put at a substantial disadvantage ... in I intend to continue to look at aspects of 2) Giving evidence or information in comparison with persons who are not the Equality Act 2010. connection with proceedings under the disabled, to take such steps as it is Act. reasonable to have to take to provide the Harassment auxiliary aid. 3) Doing any other thing for the purposes A person harasses another, if they of or in connection with this Act. Examples of reasonable adjustments would engage in unwanted conduct related to include bespoke seating to assist with a particular protected characteristic, and 4) Making an allegation that A, or another musculoskeletal disorders, provision of the conduct has the purpose or effect person, has contravened this Act. specialist software to assist with reading, of: violating the other person’s dignity and following on from the recent case of or creating an intimidating, hostile, As can be seen this section is designed Griffiths v DWP the potential to change degrading, humiliating or offensive to protect a person who raises concerns the trigger point for action in relation to environment for that other person. under this Act – whether the matter is attendance management. found in their favour or not. This may for In deciding whether the conduct has had example relate to an officer who brings I would urge our officers who consider that that purpose or effect, the following must a grievance raising their concerns as to they are subject to potential breaches of be taken into account: how they are being treated because of the Equality Act 2010 to contact me at their protected characteristic. The matter the Merseyside Police Federation or their a) The perception of the person with the is dealt with satisfactorily but then some local rep at their earliest convenience – protected characteristic time later they are subject to a detriment strict time limits apply for action.

www.merpolfed.org.uk | Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 - 23 Your local Federation Branch Board

Peter Singleton Tony Barton Dave Sim JBB Chair JBB Secretary JBB Deputy Secretary Green Lane Green Lane Green Lane 0151 259 2535 0151 259 2535 0151 259 2535

Rob Venables Dave Lowe Federation Support Misconduct Leader Green Lane Green Lane 0151 259 2535 0151 259 2535

Workplace Reps

Mark Renshaw Andy Bragg Tony Fairclough Wirral Wirral Wirral Inspectors Sergeants Constables Birkenhead Upton Wallasey 07855 162078 07751 743881 07745 385718

Mike Barrett Gary Hastewell Alasdair Rankine Sefton Sefton Sefton Inspectors Sergeants Constables Crosby Marsh Lane Marsh Lane 07802 893397 07525 747718 07422 079848

Graham Axon Chris Leach Position Vacant Knowsley Knowsley Knowsley Sergeants Constables Inspectors Prescot Prescot 07792 228880 07736 040346

Steve Potter Position Vacant Position Vacant St Helens St Helens St Helens Constables Inspectors Sergeants St Helens 07764 511162

Bob Olive Kieran Cannell Andy Barry Liverpool Liverpool Liverpool Inspectors Sergeants Constables St Anne Street St Anne Street St Anne Street 07738 136493 07954 546015 07702 934648

24 - Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation | www.merpolfed.org.uk Andy Wignall Peter Howell Dave Jones Liverpool Liverpool Liverpool Inspectors Sergeants Constables Allerton Admiral Street Admiral Street 07595 004639 07460 843043 07725 030340

Jane Arrowsmith Steph Barcroft Caroline Carmichael Reserve Reserve Reserve Inspectors Sergeants Constables Huyton MASH Thatto Heath St Helens 07793 222731 07932 655361 07791 538024

Barry Fletcher Wendy Sudworth HQ HQ Position Vacant Inspectors Sergeants HQ INC Chair St Helens Constables 07894 807980 07759 950990

Beverley Hyland Dave Lambert Steve Baker CID CID CID Inspectors Sergeants Constables Mather Av Brunswick Dock St Anne Street 07709 467628 07905 364420 07914 360456

Mike McFall Paula Oldham Phil Griffiths MSOC MSOC MSOC Inspectors Sergeants Constables Smithdown Lane Smithdown Lane Prof Dev Lead 07725 143271 07738 418301 07525 409528

Green Lane Staff

Paul Kinsella Colette Knox Ian McKay Finance & Deputy Manager Receptionist Business Manager Green Lane Green Lane Green Lane 0151 259 2535 0151 259 2535 0151 259 2535

Jane Dean Fiona Valentine Terry Atherton Administrator Administrator Groundsman Green Lane Green Lane Green Lane 0151 259 2535 0151 259 2535

Margaret Madden Sheila Doran Housekeeper Housekeeper Green Lane Green Lane

www.merpolfed.org.uk | Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 - 25 www.merpolfed.org.uk | Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 - 26 Merseyside Police Federation Insurance Scheme

SCHEME BENEFITS with effect from 1st April 2016

Serving Member

Life insurance £100,000 Hospitalisation benefit up to 5 nights £50 per night Accident/incident/emergency admission £50 per night Terminal prognosis advance on life insurance 20% of sum insured Planned admission after first 3 nights 20% scale pay Permanent total disablement (due to accident) £100,000 Sick pay benefit (when pay cut to half) Accidental loss of use benefit £60,000 up to 26 weeks, then a further 4 weeks Infection of HIV/AIDS on duty £60,000 when on no pay

Temporary total disablement £21 per week Family travel policy Worldwide (up to 104 weeks excluding first 7 days) Legal expensesm including ID theft protection Included Critical illness £10,000 Emergency and injury dental benefit Included Child critical illness £2,000 Home emergency assistance Included Child death grant £2,000 Free financial advice with Kinsella Clarke Included Red Arc assistance Member Only Motor breakdown cover Member

and partner

CALENDAR MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION £28.95 Weeks of service 1-52 £Nil

C oHABITING Partner of Serving Member Life insurance £50,000 Terminal prognosis advance on life insurance 20% of sum insured Critical illness £5,000 RedArc assistance for subscribing partner RedArc Assistance for Children

CALENDAR MONTHLY SUBSCRIPTION £6.65

The first 52 weeks of service are free of charge to both new Student Officer members and cohabiting partners.

The benefits arranged under this insurance trust are provided strictly under the terms of insurance policies taken out and owned by the trust. Copies of the policies are available to view at the Police Federation office. Subscription to the Trust entitles the member to the benefits provided by the Trust but confers no ownership of any of the underlying policies, which are vested in the trustees.

Where two members are cohabiting spouse/partners and both paying the full member subscription, a reduction for ONE member is available. This is due to the duplication of the family benefits of travel insurance, Red Arc assistance, motor breakdown and home emergency assistance. To apply for this discount, please contact the federation office.

www.merpolfed.org.uk | Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation Insight Magazine - Issue 3 of 2016 - 27 Update from the Merseyside Police LGBT Network Tracy O’Hara, Chair of the LGBT network highlights another busy summer — and an increase in people joining the Network and becoming allies.

e would like to wish a very warm Wwelcome to our new network Champion, ACC Julie Cooke. We continue to receive strong support from the Merseyside Police Federation.

The Merseyside Police LGBT Network has attended a number of Pride events under the banner of Police with Pride. We are part of a regional group of LGBT networks who come together to attend events and represent the police service.

We attended Sparkle, a celebration of Trans+ lives. Our chair Tracy O'Hara attended the first ever LGBT conference for criminal justice officers from across the globe, which took place in Amsterdam. This conference was attended by 300 colleagues from 26 countries and afforded Tracy the chance to share our best practice and network. The theme was ‘connect and inspire’ and it is fair to say Tracy has done that and we now have contacts across the globe. An excellent opportunity! Thanks to the Chief for supporting this (for those wondering this was a free conference).

The photograph of the huge team Merseyside includes those who attended Liverpool Pride this year: 160 of us our Pride — a very proud day for me and affords us a great opportunity to introduce proudly marching together through our for all of us within the network. ourselves, engage our future in open streets alongside Chief Constable Cooke, discussion around LGBT and share our ACC Critchley and the deputy PCC. We have also started our input to all details. So far, this has been a great History was made on July 30 2016 with new police officer recruits. Merseyside success and we look forward to more as Mr Cooke being the first Chief to march at Police is recruiting again and this always we continue in our recruitment campaign.

28 - Insightwww. Magazinemerpolfed.org.uk - Issue 3 of 2016 | Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation Magazine of Merseyside Police FederationInsight | www. Magazinemerp -o Issuelfed.org.uk 3 of 2016 - 28