Archived decisions
AT A MEETING of the PERSONNEL PANEL of the POLICE AUTHORITY held at Westgate Chambers, Staple Gardens, Winchester on Tuesday 28 May, 2002
PRESENT:
Mr. G.M. King, JP (Chairman); Mrs. R. Atkinson; Mr. R. Gully; Councillor Mrs. J. Rayment.
Also present: Mrs. M. Adamson (Director of Personnel, Police Headquarters); Mrs. C. McKenna (Assistant Director of Personnel, Police Headquarters); Ms. C. Vagg and Mrs. M. Boyes (Clerk's Office).
130 APOLOGIES
Apologies were received from Councillor D Gillett, Councillor P Mason and Mr P Robertson (Clerk).
131 MINUTES
The Minutes of the meeting of the Panel held on 29 January, 2002 were confirmed as a correct record and signed by the Chairman.
132 POLICE STRENGTH FORECAST 2002/03
The Panel considered a report of the Chief Constable (Item 3 in the Minute Book) showing the final position on police numbers for 2001/02 and an expected position for 2002/03. At the end of March, 2002, police strength was 3,488, and by the end of March, 2003 strength is expected to be around 3,755 showing an increase of 267 officers over the year.
The Director of Personnel advised the Panel that recruitment began to pick up as a result of actions started in September/October of last year. The intakes for March, April and May were 35, 45 and 44 respectively and there were 36 recruits for the June intake. She indicated that other forces were experiencing improved recruitment.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
133 EXIT INTERVIEW RESULTS AND STAFF TURNOVER
The Panel considered a report of the Chief Constable (Item 4 in the Minute Book) analysing the staff turnover for the last three years (April, 1999 to March, 2002) and concentrating on, the reasons for leaving, gender, race and service profiles of police and support staff leavers. In order to gain some further insight into the reasons for leaving there had been some analysis of exit questionnaires where possible.
The Assistant Director of Personnel indicated that, whilst the position with regard to staff turnover was not unhealthy, the position would continue to be monitored closely.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
134 DRAFT PERSONNEL STRATEGY 2002/03
The Panel considered a report of the Chief Constable (Item 5 in the Minute Book) on the draft Personnel Strategy for 2002/03.
The Director of Personnel asked Members for comments on the document within the next two weeks.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
135 RECRUITMENT UPDATE
The Panel considered a report of the Chief Constable (Item 6 in the Minute Book) illustrating the trends in police officer recruitment over the period June, 2000 to May, 2002. Members noted that there were 10 intake dates each year to coincide with a 5 week training cycle.
The Assistant Director of Personnel advised the Panel that the recruitment department had been processing a great many applications from old recruitment packs submitted following adverts and open days. The new improved "user friendly" pack was now being used extensively to process applicants' enquiries. A fast track system was being introduced for Specials wishing to joint the regular Force. In addition, an advertisement would be placed in Police Review in the next month for transferees from other Forces.
The Chairman thanked the Recruitment Department for all their hard work producing continuing excellent results, which the Authority appreciated.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
136 GRIEVANCE RESOLUTION PROCEDURE - ANALYSIS OF RESULTS
The Panel considered a report of the Chief Constable (Item 7 in the Minute Book) on the analysis of grievances registered under the Grievance Resolution Procedure (GRP). The report also included results of a benchmarking exercise with two other police forces.
The Assistant Director of Personnel advised Members that although the numbers were reducing, there were no particular changes in the pattern and people were comfortable with using the system. Any changes to the GRP would be reported to the Panel in due course, following the review.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
137 SICKNESS ABSENCE
The Panel considered a report of the Chief Constable (Item 8 in the Minute Book) on sickness absence for police officers and support staff from October, 2001 to March, 2002 concentrating on the total number of days lost and the reasons for absence.
Members discussed the situation in relation to private medical treatment being made available to enable staff to return to work more quickly if they are currently on an NHS waiting list. The current system of treatment on demand, where cost effectiveness could be proved, would continue. The Director of Personnel being convinced that money would be made available.
The Director of Personnel advised the Panel that data would be available for a future meeting in relation to savings achieved. Members were advised how the Bradford Formula which is used to monitor sickness absence was used to identify problems.
The Chairman and Vice-Chairman expressed an interest in attending the Sickness Case Conference in August/September 2002.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
138 ESTABLISHMENT REPORT - PART I
The Panel considered a report of the Chief Constable (Item 9 in the Minute Book) on various personnel matters.
Members were pleased to note the comments about staff and acknowledged the importance of recognising professionalism and commitment.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
139 EXCLUSION OF THE PRESS AND PUBLIC
RESOLVED:
That, by virtue of Paragraph 1 of Part I of Schedule 12A of the Local Government Act 1972 the press and public be excluded from this part of the meeting.
140 ESTABLISHMENT REPORT - PART II
The Panel considered a confidential report of the Chief Constable (Item 11 in the Minute Book) on various personnel matters.
The Director of Personnel confirmed that Hampshire's Entrance Standards were also applied to transferees from other forces.
RESOLVED:
That the report be noted.
141 EMPLOYMENT TRIBUNAL STATISTICS - 1995 TO PRESENT
The Panel considered a confidential report of the Chief Constable (Item 12 in the Minute Book) setting out details of employment tribunal statistics from 1995 to present.
The Assistant Director of Personnel advised the Panel that the increase in costs of £3,000 was attributable to one case and updated the position on new claims received.
RESOLVED:
That the data on the employment tribunal cases be noted.
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