Review of Association of Chief Police Officer (ACPO) terms and conditions

Report: 15
Date: 1 February 2007
By: Chief Executive and Clerk

Summary

This report explains the proposal to commission the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) to make some changes, for adoption by the Authority, to the terms and conditions of Association of Chief Police Officer (ACPO) rank officers and to report by 1 March 2007.

A. Recommendations

Members are asked to

1. note the proposal for the MPS to make some changes, for adoption by the Authority, to the terms and conditions of ACPO ranks by 1 March 2007; and
2. identify any implications for senior police staff, trade union and staff association representatives.

B. Supporting information

1. The MPS has been asked to put forward some draft proposals, for consideration, with a view to adopting them, by the Authority on ACPO terms and conditions, to clarify the parameters around a number of issues including media contacts, speaking at conferences, leave entitlements and any other areas where it would be in everyone's interest to understand the legitimate expectations of the Authority as quasi "employer". There are also some other changes, such as the introduction of compulsory retirement ages and changes to the Regulations covering business interests for police officers, which need to be reflected in the terms and conditions.

2. This issue initially arose around ACPO officers making speeches or speaking to the media. The primary concern was to avoid any difficulties if ACPO officers were commenting upon issues outside their remit. Whilst it is accepted that an overall policing issue such as crime was a legitimate subject for any ACPO officer to express an opinion or where that officer was the ACPO lead, there needs to be some guidance around this issue.

3. The MPS proposals have also been asked to consider whether some or all of this guidance should be applied to senior police staff or trade union or staff association representatives. For example, whilst this is not intended to preclude senior police staff with a lead responsibility in a particular area or a staff representative expressing an opinion in that capacity, there may need to be some guidance.

4. Successful candidates from the current selection exercise for commanders will be told that revised terms and conditions will shortly apply, if the exercise to agree the proposals is not completed by the end of the selection process.

5. The Chair of the Authority and the Chair of the Remuneration Sub Committee have had an informal meeting with the MPS Chief Police Officers Staff Association (CPOSA) representatives and remain committed to full and formal consultation on any proposals. For their part, CPOSA wish to ensure the MPS remains competitive in order to attract the best candidates and have been invited to contribute their own proposals.

C. Race and equality impact

There are no race and diversity implications associated at this stage. Any proposals will be the subject of an Equality Impact Assessment.

D. Financial implications

There are no financial implications at this stage. Any additional costs will have to be met from existing budgets. 

E. Background papers

None.

F. Contact details

Report author(s): Alan Johnson, Policy Officer, Human Resources 

For more information contact:

MPA general: 020 7202 0202
Media enquiries: 020 7202 0217/18

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