Work-life balance

The Police Federation of England and Wales reported on chief inspectors and inspectors being under increasing pressure and the census that identified the need to address work-life balance.

“The pressure faced by inspectors and chief inspectors is having a detrimental effect on their work-life balance” was the stark finding of a Wellbeing at Work census presented to delegates at the Police Federation Inspectors’ Central Committee conference.

The results of the census, which was commissioned by the Inspectors’ Central Committee, provides clear indication that there is room for improvement in the working lives of those officers tasked with managing front-line policing.

Whilst chief inspectors and inspectors clearly have a strong commitment to their profession, the demands of the role and the extensive hours they have to work are taking their toll.

Excessive working hours, high demand levels and difficult working relationships need to be tackled as a priority. Key findings of the report include:

● Respondents who reported working 61-plus hours per week expressed strong concern about work relationships, work-life balance, overload, pay and benefits, and reported major physical health and psychological wellbeing concerns
● 46% of all respondents said they had been absent from work due to illness, but opted to take leave instead whilst in the inspecting ranks
● 13% of respondents said that they often have their rest days cancelled
● 29% reported workplace bullying whilst in the chief
inspector and inspector ranks
● A lack of balance in the pay structure was an area of concern, with sergeants working fewer hours but being paid more than inspectors due to their paid overtime.

Paul Ginger, chairman of the Inspectors’ Central Committee, said: “Over a period of time the strong levels of commitment are unlikely to be sustainable if excessive workloads and lack of work-life balance prevail.

“In order to maintain resilience in the long term, it will be important that chief inspectors and inspectors see improvements in their working life and have the necessary support from forces required to help cope more effectively with the pressures they face.

“We hope chief officers will sit up and take notice of the recommendations contained within the report.”

The Inspectors’ Central Committee commissioned Robertson Cooper Limited to undertake the Wellbeing at Work census. The objective was to provide an up-to-date assessment of the perceived sources of pressure, their impact on wellbeing and to generate recommendations for improvement.

It is likely that some of the issues reported are linked to the significant changes that have taken place in the Police Service during the last 10 to 15 years, which have placed increased demands and responsibilities on chief inspectors and inspectors.

Constabulary would like to know if the recommendations made in the report have been acted upon and if chief inspectors and inspectors have seen improvements in their working life and have the necessary support from their forces to help cope more effectively with the pressures they face.

Please email your comments to chrislocke@constabulary magazine.co.uk

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