Minutes

Minutes of the inquorate Human Resources and Remuneration Sub-committee of the Metropolitan Police Authority held on 19 October 2009 at 10 Dean Farrar Street, London, SW1H 0NY.

Present

Members

• Faith Boardman (Chair)
• Reshard Auladin

MPA officers

• Catherine Crawford (Chief Executive)
• Alan Johnson (Oversight and Review)
• Chris Benson (Committee Services)

MPS officers

• Martin Tiplady (Director, Human Resources)
• Mike Harwood –Grayson (Head of Learning Management)

1. Apologies for absence

1.1 Reshard Auladin apologised for arriving late.

2. Declarations of interest

2.1 None were received.

3. Minutes of the meeting held on 30 June 2009

3.1 The minutes of the meeting held on 30 June were agreed as a correct record.

4. Presentation on training

4.1 Mike Harwood-Grayson (Head of Learning Management) gave a presentation on Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) training structures and governance. Members felt that overall the key training themes; issues and objectives in the MPS were appropriate and well managed.

4.2 It was noted that ACPO rank officers were expected to manage their own development and training through ACPO’s own training programmes and the MPS Leadership Academy. The National Police Improvement Agency (NPIA) was developing their leadership training strategy, but it was unlikely to be able to provide the level of training and development required by the MPS. Training needs were identified through individual Performance Development reviews (PDRs).

4.3 It was noted that officers of ACPO rank were expected to manage their own development and training through ACPO’s own training schemes and the Leadership academy. Training needs and the training undertaken through the use of individual Personal Development Plans (PDPs). In addition the aspirations of the ACPO rank officers was reviewed on a six monthly basis.

4.4 The sub-committee was of the view that long serving professional staff should be encouraged to undertake refresher training to ensure they comply with current and best practice.

4.5 The sub-committee considered that there were savings to be obtained from the training budget and asked that:

• Information be provided on the opportunity costs of training
• A more comprehensive update be provided on the Human Resources Service Improvement Programme to this Committee in the Spring
• A further update be provided on the pre-learning programmes for candidates planning to join the MPS

4.6 The sub-committee noted that:

• The MPS had a number of small training units based within individual business groups, and as a result training facilities were potentially under-utilised and of varying standard.
• the balance between in-house and external training provision was continually monitored.
• a cultural shift from training to learning had to be made.

Resolved to note the report.

Reshard Auladin arrived at this point and it was agreed that he would be provided with a separate briefing.

5. Dip sampling of Employment Tribunal and Fairness at Work cases

5.1 Alan Johnson (Policy Officer) introduced the report that set out the current procedure for dip sampling MPS Employment Tribunal and Fairness at Work (FAW) cases by the Metropolitan Polices Authority (MPA).

5.2 The sub-committee considered that, given that time limits for the resolution of FAW cases were frequently exceeded, it was disappointing that only 1 in 5 FAW were resolved.

5.5 The sub-committee noted that the majority of individuals raising FAW complaints did not have a clear view of what they considered to be satisfactory outcome.

5.6 With regard to the high profile Employment Tribunal cases it was noted that the most significant cases are circulated to Cindy Butts, Reshard Auladin and Faith Boardman and members of the MPA’s Senior Management Team (SMT) on a weekly basis. It was suggested any questions on individual cases could be raised at the next meeting of this sub-committee.

5.7 It was noted that the regular 6 monthly report on ET’s would still be reported to the Communities Equalities and People Committee. The sub-committee commended the Employment Tribunal Unit for being very professional and independent of mind, and for continuing to be diligent and careful whilst carrying out a very demanding role.

Resolved That the report be noted.

6. Support provided to Association of Chief Police Officer (ACPO) ranks & senior police staff - update

6.1 Catherine Crawford (Chief Executive) introduced the report. The sub-committee noted that the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) had to be satisfied that its recommendations relating to the health, safety and welfare of the MPS Chief Officers had been met. The sub-committee was concerned that the level of support to Chief Officers must be sufficient to ensure operational effectiveness at time of operational stretch.

6.2 The sub-committee noted the suggestion that the Commissioner should advise his Chief Officers of the health, safety and welfare services available to them.

Resolved that the sub-committee are advised of the how this information is communicated to Chief Officers.

7. Issues raised by Staff Associations and Trade Unions

(a) Insurance cover

It was noted that concerns had been raised at the level of insurance cover provided for officers working outside of the UK. Martin Tiplady said he had taken personal responsibility for this issue and it was agreed that a further update be provided in due course.

8. Exclusion of press and public

A resolution was put to exclude the press and public from the meeting during remaining items on the agenda as they were likely to disclose exempt information as described in Schedule 12(a) of the Local Government Act 1972 (as amended).

Resolved - That the press and public be excluded from the meeting during discussion of the remaining items on the agenda.

9. Summary of exempt items

1. Senior Staff Play 2009-10
2. Police Pay and Reward
3. Chief Superintendants’ Post-Related Allowance (PRA) 2009-10-27

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