FEDERATION UPDATE

FEBRUARY 2020—ISSUE 1

Representing · Negotiating · Influencing

Federation Update Magazine of Police Federation—February 2020, Issue 1— www.polfed.org/lincs 1

FEDERATION UPDATE

Magazine of Lincolnshire Police Federation

About this Newsletter: Editor: Jon Hassall (Chair) Contents Producer: Sam Bell (Comms Officer)

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter: Update from the Chair ...... 3 Lincolnshire Police Federation Update from the Branch Secretary ...... 4 @lincspolfed Update from the Branch CAPLO ...... 5

Your Reps ...... 6

Federation Update is the magazine of Local Rep Elections ...... 7 Lincolnshire Police Federation. Its purpose is to keep our members informed on all Hot Topics ...... 8-10 that their Federation is involved in, to Lincolnshire Police Charitable Fund Update ...... 11 stimulate debate on relevant issues and promote member services. The views News from Police Treatment Centres ...... 11 expressed in this magazine are those either Federation Campaign: “Man Up, Man Down” ...... 12 of its component Boards, officers or representatives, unless otherwise stated. Health & Safety update ...... 13 Contributions may be sent in confidence to Equality update ...... 13 the Editor or Producer (who reserve the Federation Website ...... 14 right to amend or edit all material as necessary, where possible with the consent Quick Links ...... 15 of the contributor) at: Advert ...... 16 Federation Update

Lincolnshire Police Federation Deepdale Lane Lincoln LN2 2LT Federation telephone number: +44 (0)1522 558238 Federation email address: [email protected]

Federation Update Magazine of Lincolnshire Police Federation—February 2020, Issue 1— www.polfed.org/lincs 2

UPDATE FROM THE CHAIR

JON HASSALL

Well it’s strange to write my first article for our newsletter the week that I have announced my intention to retire on 15th March 2020, but here goes! Very nearly 7 years have passed since I took the role of Chair. I can’t say elected - I’ve never been elected, nobody has ever stood against me. I’d say that indicates supreme contentment with my Chairmanship but feel free to express an alternative view! I think it’s time to go- I wanted to call this newsletter “The Aqueduct” as in “What have the Romans (Fed) ever done for us?”. The fact that many of you, my members, won’t know what that is all about is indicative that my time is up. There is much that the Fed does that doesn’t get publicised - for good reason. I’ve visited colleagues in 5 different psychiatric institutions since I’ve worked for Lincolnshire Police. None of those colleagues would want that shouting about. Nor do colleagues really want their peers to know when they are in jeopardy of criminal or conduct proceedings, or performance procedures, or very ill and facing medical retirement, or victims of bullying, or being accused of bullying. But those are the kind of issues that I, and other Reps, are involved in on a regular basis. Of course many of you will never need the Fed but sadly there isn’t a no claim discount for you whilst others earn frequent flyer credits. But you could still get caught up in something. There are many horror stories that I could bore you with - like the officer charged with gross misconduct matters, found - rightly - not guilty, but if they hadn’t have been a member of the Federation, they would have had to pay their own £24,000 legal bill! In short, I still think we are good value. As to the future, I ask that you support my successor in the same way that you have supported me. I wish I could have done more in relation to pensions but for those who have followed my infrequent postings on our Facebook page, and even less frequent postings on The Pension Challenge Facebook page, I hope you realise that I genuinely tried. I consider every Lincolnshire Police Officer to be more my officer than the Chief’s officer! I have always tried to do my best individually and collectively - and I know my previous and current Fed Rep colleagues have tried to do that also. It’s been a blast. Stay safe. Jon

Federation Update Magazine of Lincolnshire Police Federation—February 2020, Issue 1— www.polfed.org/lincs 3

UPDATE FROM THE BRANCH SECRETARY BARRY STEELE

Phone: 07967 378764 Email: [email protected]

Welcome to this, the first of our new newsletters. It comes at a time we are preparing to say farewell to our Chair, Jon Hassall, who is retiring after service of 31 years. During this period he has given some 20 years as a Federation Representative, including 7 years as the Chair of the Lincolnshire branch. I’m sure you will join us in thanking Jon for his unstinting work and passion and wishing him well in future ventures. On the upside I will no longer need to fake interest in the latest exploits of Aston Villa and all things football related, which is nice.

As we enter into 2020 I have a real hope that a corner is being turned in terms of the workplace pressures which, in my opinion, are frankly unsustainable. From our position, we have had a ringside view of effects of this in terms of the numbers of officers experiencing genuine crisis, the numbers now on restriction, the numbers absent from the workplace and numbers who have unfortunately had to exit the organisation. All of which, in turn, then increases the pressures on those remaining in the organisation. It is the function of your Branch to not only support these officers, but to work with the Force in seeking to reduce the triggers and drivers to these issues.

It is apparent that there is a clear change in tone from the Government in respect of Police and Policing, as evidenced by statements of officer number uplifts, Police covenant, TASER uplift funding etc., but it is fair to say that this is going to take time to be felt on the ground. In the meantime the Force continues to argue for a better deal in the Police funding formula.

We, your local Federation, are working hard with the Force Chief Officer Group to identify where we can improve matters in the interim and it is fair to say that there is a positive direction of travel across a number of issues, some of which are detailed on the following pages.

I hope you find this mailshot of interest. Please do remember however that in order to represent you, we need to hear your views and thoughts. Your workplace reps are listed in this newsletter; seek them out, use them. The Facebook and Twitter links are also available for public or private chat. Visit the website regularly for news updates, offers etc.

Federation Update Magazine of Lincolnshire Police Federation—February 2020, Issue 1— www.polfed.org/lincs 4

UPDATE FROM THE CAPLO PHIL CLARK

Phone: 07399 641985 Email: [email protected]

My first CAPLO update to share with you all in this newsletter is to give a very brief outline on the changes to the Police Conduct Regulations, as follows. The Police Conduct Regulations 2012 was replaced on 01/01/20 by the Police Conduct Regulations 2020. The emphasis once again is on learning and development and introduces a concept of reflective practice. The significant changes are; Definition of Misconduct The 2020 Regulations now specify that disciplinary proceedings are for SERIOUS breaches of the Standards of Professional Behaviour. If the matter (if proven) would not justify at least a written warning it is not appropriate for the matter to be referred to disciplinary proceedings. The definition of gross misconduct remains the same and states that such conduct is a breach of the Standards that is so serious as to justify dismissal, although a new outcome of a reduction in rank is also available at a hearing. If the matter does not require formal UPP or conduct proceedings then it may be dealt with as Practice Requiring Improvement (PRI) under the Reflective Practice (RP) part of the Regulations. RP &RPI RP refers to the emphasis on learning and improvement. This is a process to be engaged in with an officer’s line manager to address any identified issues. This is not a misconduct finding. Notice of Investigation Officers must be supplied with the terms of reference for any investigation into their conduct unless to do so would prejudice a criminal investigation. Time Scales If an investigation is not completed within twelve months PSD/DCC must inform the PCC with an explanation and updated time scales. Outcomes At a misconduct meeting, the outcomes available are either a written or final written warning. A written warning is fixed for 18 months and a final written warning for 2 years. At a misconduct hearing (for allegations of gross misconduct or misconduct where particular circumstance apply) the outcomes available are as above although a final written warning may be extended for up to 5 years, and reduction in rank or dismissal without notice. Duty to Cooperate Broadly speaking an officer who may be a witness to a matter under investigation or who may be aware of pertinent information, has a duty to co-operate with investigators and a failure to do so may constitute a breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour. This is only a brief outline of the major changes to Conduct Regulations. Training of workplace representatives is ongoing. If any advice is required at this time please contact Phil Clark in the Federation Office at HQ.

Federation Update Magazine of Lincolnshire Police Federation—February 2020, Issue 1— www.polfed.org/lincs 5

YOUR REPS

EAST WEST

ANDY MORRICE MATT WRAY HELEN STAMP IAIN MCIVOR

SECONDED TO SPALDING FCR TST

CALLUM SCOTT LEE WILLOUGHBY JON MELLOR YVONNE STUBBS

BOSTON LOUTH SOUTH PARK GAINSBOROUGH

CHERRY KELLY MIKE PARSONS JIMMY CONWAY NIGEL KEY

MABLETHORPE NETTLEHAM HQ SOUTH PARK

KARL DREWERY KEV BARBER LINDSEY POSTLES ALEX ROSE

LOUTH GAINSBOROUGH NETTLEHAM HQ

DAVE HADDOCK

GAINSBOROUGH Federation Update Magazine of Lincolnshire Police Federation—February 2020, Issue 1— www.polfed.org/lincs 6

LOCAL REP ELECTIONS….. YOUR FED NEEDS YOU!

The Lincolnshire Branch of the PFEW currently has a number of vacancies for workplace representatives and will be asking for expressions of interest. Workplace representatives are the bedrock of Federation business on a day to day basis, providing support and advice directly to members. They also work constructively with managers to improve the welfare, efficiency and job satisfaction of the membership. You will not need me to tell you that the pressures on our membership have never been higher and it directly follows that the need for strong local representation has also never been higher. Not only do the members depend on it, but the workplace representatives are also the key conduit to the PFEW regional and national forums and agendas.

In addition to receiving PFEW workplace representation training, our reps will also be able to choose specialisation training in Conduct & Discipline, Diversity & Equality, or Health & Safety.

The Lincolnshire Federation Branch needs to be representative of the membership it serves and across the diversity spectrum, in particular we are currently under represented by female representatives. In addition it is important that we have representation across the federated ranks, age groups and force areas. Currently we have something of a void in NSK from south.

Is being a “fed rep” career death? The answer is an emphatic “no”! With the current pressures across the organisation it is true to say that force management value the assistance of the Federation in getting business done and, in so doing, workplace representatives will have the opportunity to raise their profiles. For example there is currently a certain Ch/Supt in the force with a solid federation background!

So step up! Give your colleagues a voice. An invitation to register your self-nomination will be sent to you all. This will then go to a membership vote.

Please do not hesitate to contact myself, ([email protected] ext 8640) or your workplace reps identified in this newsletter if you wish to discuss the requirements of this crucial role.

Requirements of a Federation Workplace Rep

1. Shall represent all members of the Federated ranks in matters affecting welfare;

2. Shall work constructively with managers to improve the welfare, efficiency and job satisfaction of the membership;

3. Shall offer advice to members on matters concerning Police Regulations, the Grievance Procedure, CICA and DWP claims;

4. Shall offer support to members in respect of misconduct issues;

5. Shall develop knowledge of the Police Regulations and other legislation that effects the health, welfare and safety of members;

6. Shall identify training needs to the Branch Secretary and attend training courses when nominated;

7. Shall maintain regular contact with other Branch members;

8. Shall maintain close liaison with other workplace representatives;

9. Shall seek to develop close working relationships with local managers and attend all meetings that require your presence as a police federation representative;

10. Shall attend and participate as fully as possible meetings of the Branch Council and appropriate working group on behalf of those members that they represent;

11. Shall read, consider, consult and if required respond to all documents received from the Branch Officers and reply to all correspondence and requests for assistance.

F ederation Update Magazine of Lincolnshire Police Federation—February 2020, Issue 1— www.polfed.org/lincs 7

HOT TOPICS

PENSIONS TASER

This remains a very emotive subject for many and I would The Lincolnshire Police Federation TASER Survey was conducted encourage you all to review our website www.polfed.org/lincs during November 2019 to ask members in Lincolnshire Police and the national PFEW site www.polfed.org for latest news. for their views and experiences regarding the training, carriage

and use of TASER. This information was collected to inform and It is my understanding that following the Police Pensions hearing th support Lincolnshire Police Federation’s policy and lobbying on 28 October 2019 members of the pension challenge are related to TASER, and to allow Lincolnshire Police Federation to entitled to consider themselves as having been under full protec- represent members’ views on TASER to the Chief Officer Group tions from 2015. This is “remedy”. within Lincolnshire Police. It is the expectation of PFEW that non-members of the pension A total of 310 responses were received, which reflects a challenge will be moved to a similar position in due course. This is response rate of approximately 28% of federated rank officers “rectification”. in Lincolnshire Police. This will leave the issue of compensation. The headline statistics demonstrate that, whilst at present only Without a doubt the pension issue has been the root of a around a third of respondents in Lincolnshire were trained to significant fracture between the PFEW and their members and carry TASER, a clear majority of respondents across Lincolnshire will remain so for some time. In fact such resentments could be Police were in favour of a wider role out of TASER within the fuelled even further by pension challenge members who may force. Overall 61% of respondents who were not currently now feel that they have not only had to fund their own action, trained to carry TASER thought that they needed TASER in their but now all affected non-challenge scheme members will benefit current role, with 73% of these as a result of their endeavours “free of charge”. respondents saying that they would Locally we can only acknowledge the depth of feeling around like to carry TASER. Every single this. We will remain engaged with national PFEW on this issue respondent who was trained and and broadcast any developments. routinely carried TASER said that it was beneficial for their role.

Although across the sample a majority of respondents who were not currently TASER trained said that they would like to GYMS carry TASER, certain groups of respondents were even more likely to say they wanted and needed to carry TASER in their current role. In particular, 85% of respondents in a Response Policing role and 80% of respondents who were often or always The Chief has rolled out gyms across the force estate. You are single-crewed thought that they needed TASER within their required to be fit and pass a job-related fitness test, but there current role. seems to be an inconsistency across the force in terms of the message you are getting regarding use of these gyms i.e. only The Chief Officer Group is now undertaking feasibility work with before or after a shift? During a shift? We have asked for clarity a view to delivering an upgrade. Clearly the challenge to this and consistency across the force on this as we know that upgrade is going to be around training abstractions. Watch this maintaining fitness around a family and/or a shift pattern is far space. Thanks to all those who responded. The full survey from easy. document is available on request.

Federation Update Magazine of Lincolnshire Police Federation—February 2020, Issue 1— www.polfed.org/lincs 8

HOT TOPICS (Contd)

PAY & MORALE SURVEY

In November PFEW published the results of the annual pay and morale survey (full document is available on request). 11% of eligible Lincolnshire officers responded which was low but this was largely a result of the 2019 PFEW cyber-attack that resulted in a loss of the ability for PFEW to contact you all individually. The executive summary for Lincolnshire is as follows. • 64% of respondents from Lincolnshire Police said that they are dissatisfied with their overall remuneration (including basic pay and allowances). • 40% of respondents from Lincolnshire Police reported worrying about the state of their personal finances every day or almost every day. • 60% of respondents from Lincolnshire Police felt that they were worse off financially than they were five years ago. • 9% of respondents from Lincolnshire Police reported never or almost never having enough money to cover all their essentials. • 61% of respondents from Lincolnshire Police told us that their morale is currently low. • 92% of respondents from Lincolnshire Police felt that morale within the force is currently low. • 68% of respondents from Lincolnshire Police said that they would not recommend joining the police to others. • 11% of respondents from Lincolnshire Police told us that they had an intention to leave the police service either within the next 2 years or as soon as possible. Whilst these results may make for somewhat gloomy reading I doubt that they will come as a total surprise to many. Lincolnshire officers have been in the perfect storm of low officer numbers spread across a large geography in a Force that has been historically underfunded for many years. You will be only too aware of the results especially when being asked to deliver compliance across a whole range of thematic areas against a backdrop of rising demand and procedural complication creep. The positive however is this document provides a springboard for evidence supported conversations with the Chief Officer Group around the urgent need for change. Likewise the results can be used by the Force and the PCC in their discussions with the government to evidence the effect of the poor funding deal Lincolnshire has been suffering from. I would like to briefly touch on two areas of this report. Firstly 40% of respondents from Lincolnshire Police reported worrying about the state of their personal finances every day or almost every day and 9% of respondents from Lincolnshire Police reported never or almost never having enough money to cover all their essentials. If you are having financial issues or are in debt it is easy to feel embarrassed and that everybody else is ok. They aren’t, nearly 10% of the Force isn’t. Please speak to us, take the pressure off. We can help. Secondly in the document, 80% of respondents cite the way change is managed as a reason for low morale. We are engaging on this. The force cannot continue to demand compliance without pausing to consider resource implications. In particular the demands of missing persons and the perverse effects of NCRS are frequently highlighted to us in discussions with members but these are only two examples. In general however it is true to say we are having positive dialogues and hopefully you will see fruit in due course. In closing please watch out for the 2020 Pay and Morale survey document later in the year and contribute, it is a vital piece of PFEW work both nationally and locally.

Federation Update Magazine of Lincolnshire Police Federation—February 2020, Issue 1— www.polfed.org/lincs 9

HOT TOPICS (Contd)

ASSAULTS ON OFFICERS

It has been a belief that the Force historically has never fully understood the true nature of assaults on their officers both in terms of numbers and the circumstances that led to the assault. This is largely due to a reliance on RIDDOR forms as the source of information. To that end our Case Officer, Sam Bell, has been building up a data set over the last year, drawing information from every available source e.g. NICHE, RIDDOR, FCR and District daily reports etc. She has then also contacted assaulted officers including, in extreme cases, home visits. This data broadly confirms what other forces are reporting, i.e. assaults and violence on our officers is at an unacceptable level. National PFEW have been successful in lobbying for assault on emergency worker legislation and continue to work with the in ensuring the courts apply their sentencing powers for these offences appropriately. Locally the picture that emerges is one of a willingness for offenders to resist and assault, and little in the way of sentencing deterrent. We are also getting feedback of officers becoming extremely frustrated when they have had to withdraw from incidents due to a lack of back-up. A key finding of the TASER survey was “more than a quarter (26%) of respondents said that their nearest backup was usually more than 20 minutes away.” Following the tragic death of PC Andrew Harper in TVP the NPCC has set in motion actions around officer safety and to that end we will be engaging with the Force in a working party around officer safety, which it is intended will move towards a project footing as the year progresses. You can help with this by ensuring that you report ALL assaults/resist arrests via RIDDOR and/or appropriate crime reporting/arrests.

SICKNESS REPORTING

We attend a monthly meeting with the ACO to discuss officers who are approaching the half/zero pay reduction points following periods of protracted absence. We are frequently not finding out about officers that have been off for months and potentially in crisis until the week before the meeting which puts us on the back foot when it comes to making representations around preserving pay. If you have been off long term or you are the supervisor of such an officer then DO NOT assume that HR will have notified us. They will not do so citing GDPR. Therefore, if you wish us to assist you it is up to you to notify us.

Federation Update Magazine of Lincolnshire Police Federation—February 2020, Issue 1— www.polfed.org/lincs 10

LINCOLNSHIRE POLICE CHARITABLE FUND UPDATE

CHAIR OF THE CHARITABLE FUND: JON HASSALL

As well as being chair of the Federation, I found out on my first day that I would also be chair of Lincolnshire Police Charitable Fund. The Fund is run by a committee, consisting of members from the Federation, area, NARPO, and staff. The committee meets on a regular basis. The is the President and the DCC is the Vice President. The Fund also employs a fantastic administrator whom many of you will know - Vanessa Mawer. All business is conducted to protect claimants’ anonymity with dialogue conducted with the administrator, who presents cases to the committee for consideration. Executive committees consider urgent cases that can’t wait for a regular committee meeting. It has been a privilege.

There are numerous examples of the special cases that the Fund has helped with. My personal favourite is the continued funding for speech therapy for the son of a serving officer who was born very prematurely. When I rang the officer to tell him that the funding was going to continue he put his son on the phone who said “thank you”. A very humbling moment.

The fund also pays a contribution towards mileage (or train fare) to the Police Treatment Centre and towards out of pocket expenses whilst you are at the PTC. We deliver flowers or fruit to officers who are off sick for extended periods of time. We contribute towards travel for hospital admission or hospital visiting. We have paid for bathroom to wet room upgrades for retired officers with mobility or disability issues. We have paid for counselling for retirees and the children of serving officers. We have bought wheelchairs, exercise bikes and mobility aids. BUT we can only help officers and Police Staff who subscribe to the fund, or retired officers and Police Staff who subscribed during their service. It costs just £2 per month direct from your pay. You won’t even miss it - but when you need it you will be glad you paid in. And if you don’t need it - great, but you will have helped a lot of your colleagues. Please, please, please consider subscribing. We have had a recent heart breaking occasion when a colleague asked for financial assistance to visit a hospitalised partner, but unfortunately the colleague didn’t subscribe to the Charitable Fund, and so the Fund couldn’t help. For a form to join, or more information, please -e mail [email protected]. Thank you.

NEWS FROM POLICE TREATMENT CENTRES

www.thepolicetreatmentcentres.org

Phil Clark, Federation CAPLO, recently presented a cheque for £1000 to Patrick Cairns, Chief Executive of the Police Treatment Centres. The money was allocated by the Lincolnshire Police Charitable Fund. This money has been added to the £3206.40 raised by Neil Chapman, Andrew Key (riders) and Chris Bell (support) as a result of their involvement in the Peloton event last year. This amount has been ringfenced to assist the construction of two new wings at the centres to increase capacity for the psychological wellbeing programme. Funding for the expansion has now been secured following a grant of £2.5million from Police Care UK. Phil sits on the Board of Directors for the Police Treatment Centres and is happy to address any queries regarding the function of the charity.

Federation Update Magazine of Lincolnshire Police Federation—February 2020, Issue 1— www.polfed.org/lincs 11

WELLBEING LEAD PHIL CLARK

Phone: 07399 641985 Email: [email protected]

A new campaign, launched to coincide with ‘Time to Talk Day’ (6th February), asks officers to be on the lookout for signs that colleagues might be struggling with their mental health, or even be one of the 25% of emergency workers who have considered taking their own life. Hear ‘Man Up,’ Think ‘Man Down’ urges officers to look deeper and consider whether a colleague being told to ‘Man Up’, in fact genuinely needs help. Launching the campaign, Belinda Goodwin, PFEW’s Wellbeing Sub-Committee Secretary said: “We want to get cops to talk to one another, it’s as simple as that, and to take notice when they see changes in any of their colleagues – not to ignore the signs, and worst of all tell them to ‘man up,’ get over it or pull themselves together. The campaign will build awareness of what signs to look out for and signpost to where officers can get help if they need it. If we can just get our members and reps to face any issues and seek help, then it can only be a good thing.” Although significant improvements in mental health support have been made in recent years, PFEW continues to press the government and police forces to provide earlier, better and more consistent support. To date it has been difficult to determine the actual number of police officers who take their own lives. Police forces have not routinely collected this data, and although the Office for National Statistics (ONS) collects data based on coroners’ verdicts, the figures often exclude either non-residents and/or Police Community Support Officers. It is also unclear whether retired or former police officers are routinely included in the figures. Official ONS figures show that 66 police officers took their own lives between 2015-17. Read more about the campaign https://www.polfed.org/campaigns/man-up-man-down/

KEY MESSAGES

• Each year more than 20 police officers take their own life; that’s almost two a month. Something needs to change. • Research has shown that emergency services workers are twice as likely to identify problems at work as the main cause of their mental health problems than the general public. One in four has also considered taking their own life. But they are also significantly less likely to seek help. • We need, once and for all, to put the idea that talking about emotional or mental health is a sign of weakness behind us. Police officers are dying because they aren’t asking for or getting help. They don’t need to “Man Up” they need to feel they can talk about their problems. • This campaign encourages officers to take each other’s mental wellbeing as seriously as they take each other’s physical safety, and to ask for support when they need it. • Mental and emotional trauma and illness need to be treated as seriously as threats to physical safety. • Police officers wear protective clothing, carry equipment and receive training to keep them safe from physical harm. But their psychological wellbeing and mental health is often overlooked. • When things happen that would cause most of us to run for our lives, police officers run towards danger. They see, hear and experience trauma every day: things are not easy to forget – and can leave their mark on officers’ physical and mental health. • Those suffering from mental health issues may be the last to realise there is a problem (or accept help). Those closest to them often notice a change in behaviour first – we should support them in encouraging colleagues and loved ones to get help.

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UPDATE FROM THE HEALTH & SAFETY LEAD HELEN STAMP

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

As the Health and Safety Lead for the Federation, one of my roles is to sit on the Police Uniform and Equipment Group. This group is chaired by Supt Pache and is the forum for which equipment and uniform, that is not within normal scale, is authorised. If, as part of your role, you identify that you are missing some equipment or uniform that would assist you then please visit the PEUFG page on the Force intranet. This is accessed under the “Support Services” banner, then “Uniform and Equipment”. You will find the necessary form to complete, for forwarding to your line manager for their comments. One of the pieces of equipment we are currently looking at sourcing is waterproof covers for the Airwaves sets. This is as a result of a number of members of staff losing comms due to the terrible rains in the Autumn. I will keep you updated with the progress on this. I know that Health and Safety isn’t the most enthralling subject for most but if you do have any concerns or matters to raise, please get in touch with me.

UPDATE FROM THE EQUALITY LEAD CHERRY KELLY

Email: [email protected] or [email protected]

What is Equality? Equality is about ensuring everybody has an equal opportunity, and is not treated differently or discriminated against because of their characteristics. Equality of opportunity Equality of opportunity is about ensuring that everybody has an equal chance to take up opportunities, to make full use of the opportunities on offer, and to fulfil their potential. Regardless of age, race, gender reassignment, sex, sexual orientation, religion/belief, disability, marriage/civil partnership, and pregnancy/maternity, every officer should enjoy an equal chance to all opportunities available. So now you know what equality is, it seems so simple, but in reality it can be a minefield. Members normally contact the Federation when they feel that they are being treated unfairly. It can be very difficult for members to accept that even though what is occurring feels unfair, it may not be unlawful, i.e. a fully deployable officer being moved from a role to allow a colleague with a disability take up that role. Yes it feels unfair, but it is not unlawful. I would always advise any member who feels that they are being treated differently to keep an accurate log of what is occurring. If they feel able to do so, discuss the issues with their line manager and speak to a Fed Rep who will assist them with the next steps if required, such as the Fairness at Work procedure. Often we find that there is no malice intended towards the member, and that it has just been a lack of consideration that can be rectified quickly to the benefit of the member and learning to the force. The Federation Equality team can also assist with:

Shared Parental Flexible working Part Time Working

Leave plans Applications This list is not exhaustive so please feel free to Allegations of Harassment/ Return to work/Recuperation contact us! Bullying plans

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LINCOLNSHIRE POLICE FEDERATION WEBSITE www.polfed.org/lincs

WHAT INFORMATION CAN I FIND ON THE WEBSITE? News Under this tab you will find the most updated news Have you visited our website recently? It is full of lots of articles relating to Federation and Police topics. useful information in relation to your membership with the Federation. Group Insurance Contact Us Under this tab you will find an abundance of information including policy documents, application Under this tab you will find the following options: forms, and claim forms. “Meet the team”: includes contact details of all the Member Services reps, as well as all the full time reps and Federation office staff (Ruth and Sam). Under this tab you will find all the long-standing offers and discounts which are available to officers and staff. “What we do for our members”: a brief overview of the purpose of the Federation. Diary “Federation Rules & Regs”: a link to the Federation’s Under this tab you will find upcoming events which are Quick Reference Guide (QRG) which is a basic summary being organised by the Federation. of your main terms and conditions. Latest Offers “Police Charities UK”: a list of all charities offering Under this tab you will find special offers which are benefits to officers and their families. available for a limited period of time.

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QUICK LINKS

Lincs Fed Office Email Addresses [email protected] (Chair)

[email protected] (Secretary)

[email protected] (CAPLO)

[email protected] (Central office account)

[email protected] (Health & Safety Lead)

[email protected] (Equality Lead)

Facebook Page (pg2) Lincolnshire Police Federation

Twitter Handle (pg2) @lincspolfed

Federation Websites (pg4) www.polfed.org (National)

www.polfed.org/lincs (Local)

Charitable Fund Contact (pg11) [email protected]

Police Treatment Centre (pg11) www.thepolicetreatmentcentres.org

Man Up, Man Down (pg12) https://www.polfed.org/campaigns/man-up-man-down/

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