Inspectors and chief inspectors need to be properly rewarded for the hours they work and the demands placed on them, says the chair of Northumbria Police Federation.
Nick Munnelly believes a starting point would be a review of the over-time arrangements for the inspecting ranks.
“The last time new conditions for inspectors and chief inspectors came into effect was on 1 September 1994 under a Police Negotiating Board agreement that means they don’t get paid for working over-time or for working on public holidays and rest days,” Nick explains.
“But a lot has changed since that agreement and, 30 years on, I think a review is long overdue. The roles and responsibilities of the inspecting ranks have changed considerably in the intervening years and the current arrangements are simply unfair.
Over-time
“We expect a lot of the inspecting ranks and we need to ensure that they are properly recompensed for the critical roles they perform within the police service.”
Nick was speaking after the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) released the initial findings of its survey of inspectors and chief inspectors which revealed:
- During a four-week period, 67 per cent of respondents reported working an extra 0 – 20 hours above 40 hours per week (or above their agreed part-time hours), while 23 per cent work an extra 21 – 40 hours
- 60 per cent were dissatisfied with their basic pay
- 81 per cent were dissatisfied with their allowances, with dissatisfaction highest in roles like road policing (87 per cent) and investigations (85 per cent)
- 78 per cent were dissatisfied with their overall remuneration
- 85 per cent disagreed with the lack of additional payment for working on public holidays
- 65 per cent disagreed with not receiving extra pay when required to work in another force area (mutual aid)
- 80 per cent would prefer a choice between financial compensation or a rest day in lieu for having to work on a rest day
- 93 per cent of respondents feel that members in inspecting ranks working full-time should be entitled to a rostered shift pattern within Police Regulations.
The survey of inspectors and chief inspectors was carried out by PFEW during 2024 and the full details are being collated.
Pay awards
The initial results have, however, been included in a Federation pay positioning document that has been made available to the Police Remuneration Review Body, the organisation that makes recommendations to the Government on police pay awards.
The Federation is seeking changes to the regulations that cover the inspecting ranks, in the light of the survey’s findings.
“We will be pushing for a review of the current arrangements and will keep members updated as to progress,” Nick added.
Read the initial survey results. Inspecting Ranks Survey Key Findings – December 2024
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