UNDER C VER PREPARING FOR A BRIGHTER PATH AHEAD? - MCCLOUD JUDGMENT G PLAN FOR HEALTHIER HOME WORKING MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING SUPPORT G LONG ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Under C ver NCOA: Protecting those who protect the public Issue 14 / Spring 2021 Preparing for a brighter path ahead? McCLOUD JUDGMENT g PLAN FOR HEALTHIER HOME WORKING MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING SUPPORT g LONG COVID
Can we start to look forward?
Under Cover Magazine
Editor – Simon Bashford
Published by: Dare we start to believe? outdated and ineffective
NCOA Is it possible that the worst model that compensates
1 Dundonald Avenue of COVID could be behind officers around London.
Stockton Heath us, and the vaccine roll- Many thanks to National
Warrington, WA4 6JT out could soon see us all Officer Steve Bond for his
Tel: 01925 214360 reintroducing ourselves to drive and vision to resolve
E: membership@ncoa.org.uk our favourite summertime the existing inequality.
www.ncoa.org.uk haunts home and abroad? COVID restrictions
I eagerly await a letter meant there was no
Produced by: dropping through my NCOA Annual Delegates
Chestnut Media letterbox with a vaccine
25 Castle Street Conference in 2020. We
appointment date. know how important it
Barnstaple, Devon EX31 1DR
COVID has had a marked effect on is for members to have a formal
Tel: 07903 304319
many NCOA members, underlining route to bring issues to the National
E: richard@chestnutmedia.co.uk
the importance of access to Executive Committee, and planning
www.chestnutmedia.co.uk
independent mental health and work has now begun for an event in
wellbeing support. The new Health 2021. More information will be sent
Under Cover is the official Assured NCOA member service is a to your reps soon.
magazine of the National Crime triumph, setting us apart from other I always take time to thank hard-
Officers Association (NCOA), a civil service unions in providing this working NCOA reps who put
trade union formed to focus on extensive wellbeing provision.
their own time and effort into the
the needs of members of the With attention focused on the issues that affect you, so I want to
National Crime Agency (NCA). pandemic, other issues could fade personally salute recent retirees Dee
Views expressed in this magazine into the background. The McCloud Taylor and Steve Howells for their
are those of officers, committee judgment focusing on discrimination service (see News in Brief).
members or representatives – crucial for many in the NCA – is
Remember, if you would like
unless otherwise stated. updated in News in Brief. The NCOA
anything published or highlighted
General Secretary sits alongside our
in this magazine, please email the
Contributions may be sent in sister trade unions, to ensure that
Editor at membership@ncoa.org.uk
confidence to the Editor at member issues raised with us are
Under Cover Magazine, ‘kept alive’ within the consultations. Now where did I leave the suntan
1 Dundonald Avenue, lotion…
The NCOA’s ambitious approach
Stockton Heath, to Regional Allowance payments
Warrington, WA4 6JT has seen our pay team provide the
NCA with a real alternative to the Simon Bashford
The Editor reserves the right
to amend or edit all material as
necessary, and where possible,
with the consent of the
Contents
contributer. Under Cover g News in Brief 4
Magazine would like to thank
everyone involved in producing g Platinum Jubilee medals 9
this magazine, especially g What is a no-fault divorce? 11
advertisers and those kind
enough to make a contribution. g Mental health and wellbeing support 12
g Five steps to healthier home working 14
© The National Crime Officers
Association, 2021; reproduction
g So who are the NEDs? 18
strictly forbidden unless by prior g Minimum Staffing Levels 21
arrangement with the publishers 22
g Blue Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club
g Geographical allowances 24
Cover image ©
Lightspring / Shutterstock.com UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 / 03
NEWS IN BRIEF
Union learning is important for workers and employers
York Central MP Rachael Maskell
has spoken out against government
plans to scrap the Union Learning
Fund (ULF) in what appears to be a
politically motivated attack on trade
unions’ ability to up-skill employees,
provide opportunities for trade union
Picture © Robert Kneschke / Shutterstock
members to learn, and create new
opportunities across a wide range of
employment sectors.
Established in 1998, the ULF
has supported unions in over
700 workplaces to engage with
employers through Workplace
Learning Centres and the signing
“
of learning agreements, supporting
around 200,000 workers every year to
access learning.
Unions invest in learning because they unlock
Funding to cease
The current government has the potential of others, give them life chances
pledged to scrap the ULF from that they have never had, help them discover
March 2021, stating in October
2020 that: “The commitment to the their skills and talents, and open up to them a
Union Learning Fund has never been
open-ended and the current funding
new world of possibilities.”
is due to cease at the end of March York Central MP Rachael Maskell
2021. We have always been clear any
future funding would depend on the they know that better workplaces them a new world of possibilities.”
Government’s Spending Review.” are more productive workplaces and In recent years the ULF has enabled
Speaking in Parliament in provide more secure labour. 68% of learners with no previous
November, Ms Maskell stated: “Unions invest in learning because qualifications to get a qualification;
“Unions invest in health and safety they unlock the potential of others, 53% of employers saw an increase in
reps because they want working give them life chances that they have employees gaining a qualification,
people to be safer at work. They never had, help them discover their while 77% said union learning had a
invest in workplace reps because skills and talents, and open up to positive effect on the workplace.
NCOA bids farewell to loyal servants Dee and Steve
It is with a sense of sadness that the NCOA waves has long promised herself. Dee is also embarking on a
goodbye to two of its loyal servants, as Dee Taylor genealogy exploration of her ancestral lines.
(Belfast) and Steve Howells (Bristol) have retired from For Steve, he is moving back to his roots in south-west
the Agency and thus their NCOA duties. Wales where he intends to indulge himself in walking
Both hard working reps have dedicated a great and his favourite pastime of photography (so damning
deal of their personal time and energy into advising to many a convicted criminal over the years). He also
and representing their workplace colleagues in intends to reignite his love for exotic travel when
matters of grievance, discipline, misconduct, and restrictions are lifted and, closer to home, Steve has
panel hearings. always loved his allotment, and the growing of an array
For Dee, it promises to be ‘late rising’ on day one of chilli plants from all over the world.
of freedom, followed by longer term projects of the Thanks for all your efforts, and hope to see you both
garden (her shed in particular) and the cruise that she again soon!
04 / UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 WWW.NCOA.ORG.UK
NEWS IN BRIEF
Picture © Altin Osmanaj / Shutterstock
Unlawful Discrimination – the
McCloud judgment update
In the Autumn edition of Under choice either to receive legacy judgment now delivers a fair and
Cover we reported on options being position scheme benefits for non-discriminatory choice, at a
considered by the Government to contributing service between point when you have all the relevant
deliver a response to the McCloud 2015 and 2022 benefits, or you information to compare side by side.
judgment, including removing any can take the benefits under the That information will be shared with
discrimination attached to public new scheme. While this may you in due course by your pension
sector pensions. seem a no-brainer for some of provider – not the NCA.
At the outset, the Cabinet you, we know that the higher
Office was very clear that no-one accrual rates attached to the Retrospective choice
should suffer any detriment – that reformed schemes will deliver For those of you retiring in the
includes you! a more attractive outcome for next couple of years, the pension
others (dependant on age and providers will eventually contact you
Appropriate resolution retirement date). at which point you will be given the
To make sure it had all the • From April 2022 everyone who opportunity to re-visit your ‘pre-
information at its disposal, it agreed has not yet been able to retire implementation period’ decision. If
to open its trade union consultation will continue the remainder of beneficial, you can adopt to move
to include a separate ‘public’ their service as members of the to the more advantageous benefits,
consultation, to hear the views of new ‘reformed’ schemes. with back payments as appropriate.
those personally affected and what What is clear is that the choice will Given the fact that these decisions
the most appropriate resolution now allow you to decide on what to will be totally personal and vary
might be. do at the point of retirement, when from member to member, we
That consultation concluded on you can compare the actual benefits regret we are unable to provide
11 October 2020, and the two key personal to your circumstances. you with individual financial advice.
decisions reached and now agreed Putting aside the arguments But we would encourage you to
by the Government are as follows: around the necessity to change look at www.gov.uk/government/
• Moving forward, at the point the schemes in the first place publications/public-service-pension-
benefits are paid (eg at (they pre-date the NCOA), we schemes-consultation-response-
retirement) you will be given the think the outcome of the McCloud guidance for more information.
WWW.NCOA.ORG.UK UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 / 05
NEWS IN BRIEF
Employment law: what are the changes post-Brexit?
The UK remained bound by extended to other appellate
European law until the end of the courts, including the Court of
transition period provided for in the Appeal.
Withdrawal Agreement between the • CJEU decisions post-dating the
EU (31 December 2020). end of the transition period are
EU legislation which applied not binding on UK courts, but
directly or indirectly to the UK before the courts may have regard to
11pm on 31 December 2020 has them so far as relevant.
been retained in UK law as a form The Trade and Cooperation
of domestic legislation known as Agreement finalised between
‘retained EU legislation’. The EU Exit the EU and the UK just prior to
Web Archive is the comprehensive the end of the transition period
and official UK reference point for includes reciprocal commitments
EU law, as it stood at that date. not to reduce the level of protection
Directly applicable EU legislation for workers or to fail to enforce
consists of Regulations and employment rights in a manner that
Decisions directly applied as law has an effect on trade, but makes
in an EU Member State. Indirectly clear that both parties have the
applicable EU legislation requires freedom and ability to make their
a Member State to make domestic own decisions on regulating labour
implementing legislation. For and social standards going forward.
example, the UK Working Time given power to depart from So the future shape of employment
Picture © Sergey Tarasov / Shutterstock
Regulations implemented the EU those decisions. The European law will depend on the complexion
Working Time Directive. Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018, of future governments and the cases
In interpreting this retained EU law: as originally enacted, provided that come before the courts.
• UK courts will apply decisions that the Supreme Court (as well There have been some immediate
of the Court of Justice of as the ultimate court of appeal changes to employment law content
the European Union (CJEU) on Scottish criminal law) would (for example the card on Jurisdiction
that pre-date the end of the have such power. Following and Territorial Limitation) and others
transition period, except to a consultation by the Ministry will be updated as case law and
the extent that courts are of Justice, such power was statute law develop.
We all deserve a few perks in life...
Many members have already signed up to the
NCOA all new (and free!) discounting platform, to
access thousands of discounts on big name brands
and local businesses.
The platform, powered by Perkjam, provides
promotional access to a host of entertainment,
technology, travel and sportswear products for all
serving NCOA members, including family and friends.
Once members have logged on and registered
with very limited personal data, they are free to start
shopping and saving money. Each registered member
can select their own preferences to receive personalised
updates, so that they never miss out on any offer.
Perkjam is a popular discounting platform within the
law enforcement community and is a secure way of
saving on top brands.
To view all perks and start saving, head for www.ncoa.
org.uk/proud-to-be-associated-with/
06 / UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 WWW.NCOA.ORG.UK
NEWS IN BRIEF
GDPR considerations for online meetings
During the COVID-19 lockdown,
many of us took to online
meetings and training for member
engagement. This practice has
proved to be successful, if not a little
frustrating if internet speed is not
up to it, and it is likely that this may
continue for years to come.
The NCOA is no exception and
does itself use MS Teams, as it
provides at least some security
compared with other popular
mediums.
Within the wider civil service
there has been a danger that in
some online discussions or courses,
participants have shared sensitive
personal data about other members
of their workplace, for example
when referring to situations that
have happened in the office.
Kept securely
Picture © fizkes / Shutterstock
It is important that we take steps
to ensure that this does not happen
and that data from which individual
members might be identified is not
shared, or if shared, is kept securely.
It is particularly important where any
online event is being recorded and
kept for future use.
data; if the event is being others who were not the original
While few meetings are routinely
recorded, this is particularly participants of the training event/
recorded, even non-recorded events
important meeting. The normal data protection
should carry with them a warning.
• listen out for participants sharing rights for a member/non-member
The NCOA carries out training
sensitive personal data about will still apply, personal data will
sessions online, some of which are
themselves or others and remind consist of visual and audio data and
not routinely recorded; but as such,
registrations or return e-mails to them not to do that the content may include confidential
participants to online events include • review the course before information participants may share
a privacy statement as standard, so publishing as part of any other about themselves or others.
that participants are both assured online learning programme The NCOA has a dedicated DPO
and clear about how their data will • seek Data Protection Officer to deal with questions raised about
be captured and used with a clear (DPO) help if you believe recording and retention of data;
purpose. personal data may have slipped however, if you are an attendee
To be clear, during an online event in, and make efforts to edit and at a meeting online, you should
the course organiser/trainer should: extract it. be mindful of your own personal
• remind participants at the start Recording an online event responsibilities to ensure you do not
of the event that there should increases the risk of personal and share information about others, and
be no inappropriate discussion confidential data being revealed. similarly feel free to ask for details
of material which could identify A recording may be kept for of what measures are in place to
another’s sensitive personal some time and might be seen by protect your privacy.
WWW.NCOA.ORG.UK UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 / 07
PLATINUM JUBILEE
NCA – delivering a platinum service
Under Cover explains why our hardworking members all deserve a medal
1977 2002 2012 2022?
I’m sure we can all agree that 2020 but officers serving in its pre-cursor crossed that our members within the
wasn’t quite the year we hoped for. organisation, the Serious Organised NCA will be formally recognised and
Fortunately, with the rapid vaccine Crime Agency, were sadly excluded share in Her Majesty’s celebrations
roll-out there is some light at the end from receiving this award. next year, which will enable officers
of the COVID tunnel as we move Since its formation in 2013, the to proudly reflect on the value the
deeper into 2021; 2022 may even NCA has been at the pinnacle of UK UK places on your important law
see us return to what we wistfully law enforcement, targeting serious enforcement roles.”
remember as ‘normal life’. organised crimes which have the
Hopefully it will be a year where greatest impact on communities. Pulling together
we can freely enjoy celebrations, the Although staffed by civil servants, We asked NCA Director General
most significant event being led by the Agency operates without parallel Dame Lynne Owens for her thoughts
Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. within the Civil Service world. on the matter. She responded: “This
2022 marks the 70th anniversary of Recognising its unique function and question was raised by officers at the
Her Majesty’s reign, to be celebrated role, the NCA Long Service and recent Proud to Protect events too,
across a four-day June Bank Holiday Good Conduct (LSGC) Medal was and we are keen that our officers
to mark what will be the Platinum instituted in March 2017. have access to all, and as many,
Jubilee – the first British monarch to It would be fantastic to see NCA recognition routes as are available to
reach this historic milestone. officers included within the ‘public them. We have not yet been formally
service’ group eligible for the consulted on the medal award
Public service Platinum Jubilee Medal. The selfless and I suspect that is because our
When Queen Victoria reached her actions and service delivered by colleagues in the Home Office have
50th year on the throne, she issued a the NCA officers (and others in been hard at it on both COVID-19
Golden Jubilee Medal, last year the the public sector such as the NHS) and the EU exit.
Queen approved plans to issue her during the pandemic may signal an “It is my position that all of our
own Platinum Jubilee Medal, to be extension to the traditional medal officers should receive the Queen’s
given to those who work in ‘public recipient list, which of course we Platinum Jubilee Medal in the same
service’ including the armed forces, would support. way we successfully negotiated
emergency services and prison Back in January, NCOA General for all to get the Long Service and
services. Secretary Simon Boon wrote to Good Conduct Medal (after the
Nine years ago a Diamond Jubilee the Home Secretary to raise the appropriate service length and
Medal was commissioned and profile of all NCA officers and with minor caveats.) We do sterling
awarded to eligible staff within the ask that proper consideration be work to protect the public, pulling
armed forces, HM Prison Service, given to including them within any together as one team, and it is on
emergency services, and police developing ‘eligibility’ group to that basis we shall make our case. Of
community support officers. At the receive the Platinum Jubilee Medal. course, as soon as we know more,
time the NCA hadn’t been formed, Simon said: “We have our fingers we will communicate it.”
WWW.NCOA.ORG.UK UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 / 09
LEGAL ADVICE
What is a no-fault divorce?
Heather Lucy, solicitor with McAlister Family Law, explains the
2021 changes to divorce law – the first real changes in 50 years.
A marriage coming to an end is not always full of Critics have worried that this new option will
Picture © VGstockstudio / Shutterstock
hostility and tension. Couples can grow apart or make undermine the sanctity of marriage by making it easy to
the difficult decision that the relationship is not serving get a ‘quickie divorce’. However, the Act introduces a
either of them. A divorce formalises matters and allows minimum period of 26 weeks from petition to final order.
both partners to move forward with their lives with This may seem like a long time when you are looking to
certainty, including working out what should happen move forward with a new life, but it provides time for
with the family finances. reflection and consideration of your financial matters
and plans for your children going forward.
The blame game
For a long time, couples have been faced with a Does this impact finances?
dilemma when it comes to divorce. The only ground Unlikely. A common misconception is that the ‘fact’
for divorce in England and Wales is that the marriage evidencing the irretrievable breakdown of a marriage
has broken down irretrievably. The parties need to will impact a financial settlement. It has no bearing
demonstrate this to the court using one of five ‘facts’. whether the petition is based on adultery, unreasonable
Under Section 1 of the Matrimonial Causes Act 1973, behaviour, separation or, now, agreement, except for
they can either wait two years (where both parties in exceptional circumstances. This means there is no
agree), five years (without the need for consent), or financial incentive for either party to push for a fault-
use one of the ‘blame’-attributing factors which are based petition.
desertion, adultery, or unreasonable behaviour. It will also potentially save legal fees as there will be
This means that couples have either been stuck in no need to correspond over the contents of a behaviour
limbo for years as their financial situation gets more petition or seek an admission of adultery.
and more confused, or have had to assign the fault
for the relationship breakdown to one of Should I wait for the new rules?
party. Even if they are aware that this is This is a deeply personal matter that can only be
a necessary evil, digging through the decided upon by you. It is worth bearing in mind that we
relationship to find reasons for the split do not yet have a definite date for the new system
to satisfy the court can bring up painful coming into place. The length of marriage is
feelings and resentment. also a factor that the courts take into account
when considering a financial settlement. A
Times are changing matter of months is not likely to be crucial,
The Divorce, Dissolution and Separation but it may in certain circumstances.
Bill received Royal Assent in June last year, If you are considering waiting, it would
and the new Act is expected to come into be sensible to take some legal advice as to
force in the autumn. Under the Act, the current the implications this may have on your case.
options to prove irretrievable breakdown of the Lawyers have been championing
marriage will still be available. Crucially however, no-fault divorce
spouses have the option to present a petition for years so they
to the court simply saying their marriage has should be well aware
irretrievably broken down. of your reasons for
This prevents the need to place blame on considering waiting.
one of the spouses. It also reduces If you are affected by
the possibility of an expensive any of the issues outlined
and drawn-out contested here, please get in touch
divorce, as a petition from today. We are here to help.
one spouse saying the www.mcalisterfamilylaw.co.uk
marriage has irretrievably
broken down will be seen as
sufficient proof.
WWW.NCOA.ORG.UK UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / MARCH 2021 / 11WELLBEING
Member mental health
– You have asked, the
The NCOA has always prioritised Awarded best workplace and including stress and anxiety
members mental health and wellbeing provider for three • Support for Home Life –
wellbeing; however, 2020 saw an consecutive years (2017-2019), domestic relationships, domestic
unprecedented number of requests Health Assured (through our abuse and bereavement.
for wellbeing services – exacerbated partners at Endsleigh Insurance) On your behalf the NCOA has
in part by COVID-19 and lockdown, already provide support to many negotiated a unique member service
but also demonstrating a member- police officers through the Police that delivers:
driven need for independent Federation and are key to the • unlimited, 24/7 access to BACP-
confidential support. support of MOD officers. They accredited mental health and
The NCOA is therefore rightly have excellent security measures in counselling
excited to announce our new place which will allow our members • 24/7 critical and traumatic
partnership with Health Assured who to focus on what their needs are, incident telephone support
“
will be providing unique, member- whether that be issues at home or • a translation service in over 200
only, mental health and wellbeing within the workplace. languages
support to NCOA members.
The NCOA is thrilled about this new member
service, and we hope you will make use of this
vital investment that we are able to provide to
you all, following a difficult year.
While our members must not • up to six sessions of structured
reveal sensitive information telephone/video counselling,
regarding operations, they can feel including telephone CBT
comfortable in talking about the counselling (per member, per
type of work they are involved in, issue, per year)
such as CSAE work or operational • online counselling including CBT
deployments, and the impact that and trauma courses
this work has on them and those • coverage for spouse/partner and
close to them. dependants
1,600 psychologists and • a family advice line on topics
counsellors will be at the disposal of such as childcare and eldercare.
NCOA members to provide support Providing online CBT and trauma
on a range of matters including: courses is especially important
• Support for Health – such as for our members working with
mental and physical health, traumatic material. Enabling them
addiction and critical incident to find ways to manage the impact
trauma of this work is vital to maintaining
• Support for Legal – such good mental health.
as consumer issues, debt We wanted to find the right
and financial concerns, and organisation to support all our
separation and divorce members and we recognise the
• Support for Work Life – diversity that our membership holds.
12 / UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 WWW.NCOA.ORG.UKWELLBEING and wellbeing support NCOA has delivered Health Assured are a committed of working with BAME communities. bereavement, finances or previous member of the Race at Work While it’s vitally important that traumatic experiences. Charter with their own colleague- NCOA members feel supported The NCOA is rightly thrilled about run BAME network, and employ with work-related stress, we know this new member service, and we a diverse workforce with broad there are many factors outside the hope that you will make use of this experience. They employ affiliate workplace that can have a significant vital investment that we are able counsellors who are from BAME impact. Therefore, the NCOA built to provide to you all, following a backgrounds and have experience in cover for relationship issues, difficult year. WWW.NCOA.ORG.UK UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 / 13
HOME WORKING
The five-step plan to hea
As lockdown 3.0 is lifted, many of us will continue to work from home for a
long time to come. Dr Warwick of Quest Psychology Services gives you a
five-step lunch plan for healthy home working.
If you’re one of the many NCA longer hours at home than in the as well as physical and mental
employees who haven’t travelled to office and over a third struggled to wellbeing, as expert and psycho
the office much since March 2020, the separate work and home-life. Another Dr Gregory Warwick of Quest
novelty of working from home has poll revealed that 80% of those who Psychology Services explained.
probably faded. Unstructured days, had lunch ate it while they worked, “People often believe that if th
overtime and limited real-life contact and two thirds skipped it altogether! press on, they’ll get more done,
with colleagues have cancelled These figures highlight how easy it is Dr Warwick, “yet taking a break
out some of those benefits. As for to stay at your ‘chosen desk’ all day;
proper lunch breaks, you’ve probably but taking a break and reclaiming
forgotten what they are! your lunch hour benefits productivity
A recent survey found that during
lockdown, most employees worked
Make a plan
Swap your for time out
location to eat
Establish
Do something in your lunch hou
a routine find fulfilling, says Dr Warwick.
“There’s no right or wrong act
Moving away from your work area Whether its reading, meditating
for lunch isn’t just about a change of exercising, TV or taking a nap…
scene, it has dietary benefits too what’s right for you personally.
Remember work-life balance? It Eating lunch at your desk means
used to mean leaving the office something that makes you happ
you don’t focus on what you’re
and switching off but now it’s prevent sugar cravings too.”
eating and likely to consume
harder to separate professional more calories. Eating something
and personal life. You need to give wholesome rather than sugary
yourself a structure. snacks for energy boost is equally
Make lists of things you need to important, as quick fixes affect
accomplish and scheduling in a lunch blood sugar levels and can cause
hour is a vital part of this process ‘afternoon slumps’.
because at home, we don’t have “Aim to take your lunch at the same
the same visual clues – colleagues time each day to make the process
grabbing coats and heading out easier,”says Dr Warwick. “If you
telling us its time to take a break. have the luxury of multiple rooms,
designate one as your break room.”
14 / UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 WWW.NCOA.ORG.UKHOME WORKING
althy home working
only helps regulate your stress levels Under Cover has joined Dr Dr Gregory Warwick
but also recharges you so that you Warwick in putting together a five- DCounsPsych, CPsych,
can fully attack the next project. step plan to make 2021 the year AFBPsS is a Chartered
“It’s tempting to prove your we can all work and relax flexibly Psychologist.
dedication by working longer hours and enjoy an altogether healthier, Under Cover thanks
but this can have the opposite effect. happier working day. him for his contribution.
Employers can begin to expect 110%,
Pictures © Kuliperko/Panitanphoto/PH888/file404/Chetty Thomas/mimagephotography/Shutterstock.com
ologist which in turn compounds your stress
as demands increase.”
hey
,” said
not
Ditch the guilt
Move!
Remember, your lunch break is
yours to do with as you wish so
there is no reason to feel guilty
Research shows that moving your about reclaiming it.
body during lunch break, can help In fact, stepping away from your
reduce stress, maintain good mental desk is likely to help you be better at
ur you health and make it easier to sleep. your job which benefits your mind,
To keep motivated, doing the body and soul in the process.
tivity. activity before eating your lunch will
g, enhance your incentive to get going
… do as soon as lunch break starts.
Doing
py can
“Overall, lockdown has been incredibly tough on us all. Personally, I believe lockdown 3.0 has
been the most difficult – unlike the first lockdown where we had the sunshine to enjoy, and unlike
lockdown 2 when we had Christmas to look forward to. Instead, lockdown 3.0 has provided us with
dark cold mornings and nights with a lot of uncertainty as to when this would end.
“However, these five steps can help you continue to look after your wellbeing whether your area is
still under strict restrictions or not. These are often the simplest things that we already know to do,
but putting them into practice and getting them into our routine, can take time and effort. However, in
the long run it’ll make home working more effective and better for your mental health. Start small and
get one step firmly in place before starting the next if you are finding it difficult.”
Dr Gregory Warwick, Quest Psychology Services
WWW.NCOA.ORG.UK UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 / 15POLICE INSURE Police Insure drive forward NCOA cover Police Insure specialise in highly of NCOA members to access the Office to attend NCA sites and competitive discounted rates for products and services which Police provide an ‘in person’ information car, motorcycle, home and travel – Insure offer nationwide. point for NCOA members, when for all members of the NCOA and COVID arrived… hopefully this their partners, especially at this Increased awareness approach can be revisited once particularly challenging time. Martin told Under Cover: “As we circumstances permit during 2021. The company currently works all continue to adapt to the COVID Martin added: “It’s encouraging with over 40 law enforcement and related challenges, where the that there are now over 220 policies representative associations across safety of ourselves and our loved held by NCOA members and their England, Wales and Scotland ones is of paramount importance, partners, all enjoying the personal and, to develop and sustain those this increased awareness within service, product confidence and relationships, have a network of the NCOA and its membership considerable savings that Police experienced regional Business has generated a considerable Insure provides.” Development Managers. increase in the number of members Additional information on Police Martin Barber, a retired Inspector taking advantage of the benefits Insure products can be found via with Cheshire Police, is the Business and savings Police Insure offer – the NCOA website www.ncoa.org. Development Manager who works especially in terms of protecting uk/proud-to-be-associated-with/, with NCOA Head Office in Stockton their valuable homes and vehicles.” by visiting www.policeinsure.co.uk Heath. This close collaboration helps Martin was finalising arrangements or by contacting Martin directly on to raise awareness of the eligibility with NCOA colleagues at Head martin@policeinsure.co.uk. 16 / UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 WWW.NCOA.ORG.UK
MEMBERSHIP
Keep in touch to keep in touch...
GDPR is an intrinsic part of our daily Earlier in the year we sent out a It’s also important that if you
lives, but for any organisation trying new wallet-sized plastic membership are substantively promoted from
to maintain effective communications card to every member, containing a Grade 6 role or move from a
there are many challenges which may contact numbers and information part-time to full-time role, NCOA
not have been at the forefront of the relevant to your NCOA membership. membership are updated as soon as
legislator’s minds. So it was quite surprising to note that possible so that your subscriptions
One of these issues relates to direct some members had either removed can be adjusted in line with terms
and unambiguous consent to receive themselves from any kind of contact and conditions of membership.
communications, whether via email, with the NCOA, or failed to say how Of course, if you move onto an
SMS or telephone calls. they wanted to engage with their Alternative Working Arrangement
Clearly the NCOA is not an trade union. and are working reduced hours,
organisation that relies on irritating Worryingly, ahead of the postal you are entitled to pay the reduced
‘cold calling’ to sign up new distribution of these cards we were membership rate.
members, or a contact strategy contacted by well over 100 members So the communication preferences
which promotes ‘up-selling’ or who wanted to update their details set with the NCOA have not led
“
promotional activities not specifically following a change of address – in to anyone being plagued with
linked to NCOA membership and some cases, several years previously. irrelevant messages – but they
employment within the NCA.
Our website (www.ncoa.org.uk) is The communication preferences set with the
a great source of information; but
without some kind of flagging from
NCOA have not led to anyone being plagued with
membership, it’s not easy to keep irrelevant messages – but they will ensure that
abreast of the activity undertaken
by your trade union, and – more
you understand your membership benefits and the
importantly – member services. employer engagement taking place on your behalf.
Since last March the NCOA and
NCA have worked in an entirely To provide context, in the last will ensure that you understand
different way to ensure ‘business year the NCOA sent out no more your membership benefits and the
as usual’ during three lockdowns. than three member updates per employer engagement taking place
For many this has meant a working month to those who had agreed to on your behalf.
environment that has shifted from a be contacted, on issues relating to Having been contacted by several
daily presence in the workplace to a COVID-19 operating procedures, members asking ‘Why did you
semi-permanent working from home positive cases at specific workplaces, not tell me about this issue?’ or
arrangement (although we know pension changes, pay, and our even ‘Why have you not sent me a
many of you can’t work from home). engagement on issues affecting you membership card?’ we would like
Given prolonged absences from as NCA employees. to remind you that although we
NCA sites we have worked alongside We have also announced the can contact you to ensure our data
the Agency to help deliver some addition of two new member is up to date, it’s important that
important messages using our services that provide you with a you also contact us by emailing
own communications platform, bespoke experience not seen at this membership@ncoa.org.uk to
recognising that even the normally level within the wider workforce. You ensure the information and contact
effortless workplace internal will see from the wellbeing article on preferences we have are accurate.
communication tool – word of mouth p12 that one of them is tailored to You can of course change your
– has been severely choked by the respond to the very personal impact mind at any time, and we will honour
pandemic working arrangements. of the COVID pandemic. your request, in line with GDPR.
WWW.NCOA.ORG.UK UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 / 17RESHARD AULADIN
Often referred to, rarely seen
Reshard Auladin tells
Under Cover about the
pathway that led him to
become an NCA
Non-Executive Director.
Under Cover: Reshard, tell us As a student, I was driving on
Picture © Deleplanque/Sven Hansche/Shutterstock.
about your first job? the A10 towards Cambridge in
Reshard: I left Mauritius in the 70s an old car, when I experienced a
at the age of 18 to work in the NHS. tyre puncture.
The hospitals were desperate for As I was attempting to change the
staff and thousands of young people tyre I noticed a police car parking
from all over the commonwealth behind mine. My heart started to
saw this as an opportunity for travel, race because I had come from a
study and work. country where, at that time, when a
After five years in psychiatric police officer approached, you start
nursing I left to go to university, looking for your wallet!
and l qualified as a secondary Police was a dirty word. In contrast
school science teacher. Alas the officer who came to me was
teaching was not for me either unbelievably helpful and kind. He
Reshard Auladin’s journey to becoming a NED took him from
and after a while I left to go into helped me to remove the tyre and
business. Over the years I set up replace it with my spare only to find criminal justice and policing
various small businesses including that this was flat too. initiatives in the borough of Enfield,
one in the health care sector which He then went to the trouble of North London. Youth justice, and
I still look after. inflating the tyre with a foot pump particularly restorative justice, was of
before sending me on my way. I great interest to me.
Under Cover: No mention of law know it is hard to believe, but that In 2000, the Metropolitan Police
Enforcement yet? experience had a such profound Authority (MPA) was created, and I
Reshard: My interest in law impact on me that I was drawn to took the opportunity of becoming
enforcement started with a minor justice and policing. a magistrate member. I remained at
event left which left a lasting I became a magistrate in my early the authority until its dissolution in
“
impression on me. 30s and got involved in various 2012 and became its vice-chair. I was
lead member for a number of areas
including CT and SOC. I am still
During my time at the NCA, I have seen the involved (with the Met) as a member
Agency transformed into a dynamic, confident
of its audit panel.
Having had dealings with two of the
organisation with a clear purpose which is NCA precursor agencies – the Asset
Recovery Agency & NCIS – through
willing to take on serious and organised crime my MPA association, I saw the Non-
at every opportunity. It has become more mature Executive Director (NED) role at the
NCA as an opportunity to continue
and its performance is improving all the time. contributing to a field that I was
18 / UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 WWW.NCOA.ORG.UKRESHARD AULADIN
– so who are the NEDs?
“ My heart started to race because I had come
from a country where, at that time, when a
police officer approached, you start looking for
your wallet! Police was a dirty word. In contrast
the officer who came to me was unbelievably
helpful and kind.
Our understanding of the Agency, hard work the leadership, and
its people and workings comes in particular the DG herself, have put
from talking to staff, visiting Agency in to securing better pay and reward
locations, extensive briefings and for the staff, although I appreciate
reading everything we possibly can. we are not quite at where we want
The pandemic has obviously limited to be. With the state of public
our ability to meet and visit, but we finances, this will remain a challenge
continue our work from home. for the Agency.
In addition, the NEDs have specific There are other challenges too. For
interests in various aspects of the example, technology and data are
agency such as finance, IT, staff and areas where investment will need to
governance. I sit on the remuneration continue, as will the efforts to secure
and talent management and senior a sustainable funding allocation for
appointment committees. the Agency.
The pandemic is also throwing
Mauritius to the Met Under Cover: You have been its own challenges. While it has
here throughout Dame Lynne done remarkably well in difficult
passionate about. I was very pleased Owens’ ‘watch’. What changes circumstances, the clogging up of
to join the NCA in April 2017 and I have you seen? courts, for example, could have a
am really enjoying my time here. Reshard: During my time at the significant impact on the Agency.
NCA, I have seen the Agency
Under Cover: What does a NED transformed into a dynamic, Under Cover: What does the
do? confident organisation with a clear future hold?
Reshard: The NEDs’ role at the purpose which is willing to take Reshard: I always thought that I will
NCA is to advise and to scrutinise on serious and organised crime at retire and put my feet up when I
as independent members of the every opportunity. It has become get to 60 but I’m now well past that
board. We contribute to the more mature and its performance is milestone and I enjoy being busy
strategic direction of the improving all the time. It is growing and active. In my spare time I find
organisation by offering constructive and so is its reputation. being with my grandchildren to be
challenge to the plans and the I particularly like the fact that it really stress releasing. I also cycle
objectives set by the Director is now more open and willing to and do a bit of gardening.
General and her executive team. communicate its achievement to the
Our scrutiny role entails monitoring public and its partners. Its people Under Cover wishes to thank
and challenging performance and are dedicated and passionate Reshard for taking the time to
more importantly, as members of about their work and I have been give members a better insight
the audit and risk committee, satisfy impressed at the expertise and to the work of the five
ourselves that the Agency has robust professionalism at the Agency. NCA Non-Executive Directors
systems to manage risks and good As a member of the remuneration
financial controls. committee, I have witnessed the
WWW.NCOA.ORG.UK UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 / 19STAFFING LEVELS
Time for the Minimum Staffing
Levels issues to be resolved?
With NCOA membership remaining
consistently above 3,000 NCA staff,
the smooth running of the National
Crime Agency reaps the benefits
from being a highly unionised place
to work. More importantly, the NCA
reaps the benefits of the NCOA
providing that highly unionised
presence.
Of course, there are Dispute
Resolution Procedures (DRPs) to
deal with occasions when the NCA
and its trade union are unable to
reach agreement. It is the ongoing
commitment of the NCOA to
problem-solve with the Agency
“
which means that even the most
contentious issues are generally
resolved with both sides recognising
the importance of compromise.
The NCA has now agreed to work with the NCOA
Resolution procedures to deliver a workable solution to MSLs by July.
It does though remain the case
that, if any issue between our two Hopefully this will break the almost annual cycle
parties cannot be resolved using
the resolution procedures, NCOA
of Christmas leave restrictions being a recurring
members retain the right to take and contentious member issue.
industrial action, so long as it is
conducted within the rules laid out in in July 2018 where it has remained commitments, including
Part V of the Trade Union and Labour outstanding since. demand for service over Bank
Relations (Consolidation) Act 1992. Reflecting on the joint working that Holiday periods.
Hopefully a long-standing delivered a more nuanced Agency • Clear processes by which
contentious issue for NCA officers – response to the period of No Deal managers implement and
how Minimum Staffing Levels (MSLs) EU Exit transitioning – which was review the staffing levels in
within the Agency are decided and some way from the earlier arbitrary accordance with localised
operated – will now be resolved, imposition of leave caps – the NCA responsibilities.
thanks to the perseverance of the has now agreed to work with the A defined period by which
NCOA. NCOA to deliver a workable solution leave requests are decided once
The Joint Negotiation and to MSLs by July this year. Hopefully submitted; if leave is declined then
Consultative Committee (JNCC) is this will break the almost annual clear rationales must be given.
the structure which brings together cycle of Christmas leave restrictions Of course, the NCOA recognises
the executive leadership of the NCA being a recurring and contentious that there are times when the
with senior officials from the trade member issue. NCA needs to provide a national
unions, to try to resolve matters With all this in mind the NCOA response to serious threats;
that haven’t reached agreement is seeking transparent guidance thankfully however, this is the
and been dealt with at the routine whereby: exception rather than the norm.
monthly engagement meetings. The • Directorates determine The norm should soon be a clear
NCOA first raised MSLs at the JNCC staffing levels to meet normal and fair process… fingers crossed!
WWW.NCOA.ORG.UK UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 / 21BLUE KNIGHTS
The Blue Knights Law
Enforcement Motorcycle Club
is an international club, with
branches – or chapters, as they
are referred to in the United
States – all over the world.
In 1974 a few police officers
in Bangor (USA) formed a local
police bike club. One of their
aims was to show that, unlike
GET ON YOUR
the criminal motorcycle clubs
in the States which were giving
BIKE
motorcyclists a bad name, 99%
of motorcyclists are actually law
abiding ‘good guys’. Little did
they know that 40 years later the
Blue Knights LE MC would have
nearly 18,000 members and
have chapters across the world.
The Club’s headquarters are
still in Bangor, Maine and the
American origins of the Club
continue to be borne out by the
blue waistcoat that members Enjoy motorcycling? Enjoy exploring new
can wear. The term ‘chapter’
is an American term referring places? Enjoy socialising with like-minded
to a branch of any club, from people? Enjoy raising money for worthy
swimming to chess; it is not
specific to bike clubs and
causes? If so, Leonie Tromans thinks the Blue
was certainly not intended to Knights Law Enforcement Motorcycle Club
compete with other well-known might be the club for you. It’s finally time to
international bike clubs.
In 1991 the first chapter start thinking about some freedom….
was established in the United
Kingdom and there are now other services personnel with functions, rallies and events.
28 chapters across England, powers of arrest. So whether Chapters are as active as
Picture copyright: Michael Kearcher / Shutterstock
Scotland, Ireland, Wales and you’re retired or still serving, their members wish them
the Channel Islands with you will always have a common to be, organising all the
about 800 members at present. bond with members and it’s a usual bikers’ distractions –
There are also chapters in great way to stay in touch. bike runs, BBQs, camping
most European countries. The Club prides itself on being weekends and charity events –
Membership is made up a fraternal organisation that with about £3million donated
from serving and retired promotes the feeling of family. in the last ten years. In the
law enforcement personnel, Spouses, partners and their UK one of our main charities
including police officers, prison children often accompany our is Care of Police Survivors
officers, customs officers and any members on the various rides at (COPS), and we support the
22 / UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 WWW.NCOA.ORG.UKBLUE KNIGHTS
annual Survivors’ Weekend will help to explain the kind • We aim to provide for
at the National Arboretum in of feelings that flow when a the mutual assistance,
Staffordshire in July. bunch of motorcycle riding enjoyment, entertainment,
There is always a rally going law enforcement personnel physical, mental and social
on somewhere, if you want to get together: benefit of our members and
get involved or take advantage • We all enjoy the company the general public.
of someone else’s organisation of people who share • We promote and advance
and local knowledge. Some not only the common the sport of motorcycling
members organise their annual bond of a career in law and the safety of
touring holidays to take in as enforcement but also have motorcycling.
many rallies as possible; South a love of motorcycles and We are truly a family club.
of France this week, the Black motorcycling. Among Blue Knight members
Forest next week, and squeeze • It’s wonderful to be able there are no strangers, only
in Belgium on the way home. to visit countries that you friends you have not met.
The rally weekends are great have never been to and be Being a Blue Knight is all
social events with partying and treated like family by people this and so much more. It would
you have never met. be great to be joined by new
ride outs led by local members,
• Many retired Blue Knights friends from within the NCA.
taking you to places the
continue the hard work Interested? Why not take a
guidebooks can’t reach.
they started while serving; better look or get in touch:
It is difficult to state
raising money for various www.blueknightsukic.org, or
exactly what
charities and taking part www.blueknight.org
makes the Blue
in Christmas toy runs and
Knights so
activities especially close to
special, but
our hearts, helping children
perhaps the
and vulnerable people.
following
• When travelling, local
members can provide help,
direction and sometimes
even a place to stay; you
are never far from a fellow
member.
UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 / 23ALLOWANCES
NCOA proposes new ‘bullseye zonal
model’ for Geographical Allowances
The NCOA has always been clear
that while the NCA has a footprint
throughout the UK, the basis of pay
for NCA officers should be Equal
Work = Equal Pay; this has been the
bedrock of all annual submissions
to the NCA Remuneration Review
Body (NCARRB) and our continuing
engagement with the Agency
on pay.
There is, however, clear evidence
of higher living costs in some areas
of the UK which cause comparative
recruitment and retention
pressures at some sites. Rather
than addressing these pressures in
regional pay variations, which cause
internal competition, the NCOA
has been clear that an additional
allowance paid as a market
supplement addresses the issue.
Long out of date
The current NCA process of comparators. The NCOA bullseye London will see NCA officers who
paying a single London Weighting model also future proofs and adapts work here receiving an allowance
Allowance (LWA) is long out of date. to likely NCA estate changes as they comparable to that paid to officers
Not only has the level of allowance develop and mature. in the Metropolitan Police Service.
hardly increased since 2010, it has Studies show that the single
been left to develop organically biggest element to the heightened Retention pressures
rather than strategically as the cost of living for those in London NCA officers in the middle and
National Crime Squad (from which and the South East is housing.
outer zones would receive a
the allowance was taken) morphed With the rental market intrinsically
geographical allowance comparable
into the Serious Organised Crime linked to housing costs, the impact
to officers in police forces around
Agency and then into the National is tracked with housing costs,
London and the South East.
Crime Agency. published quarterly by the Office of
The NCOA has now challenged It’s clear to all that eight years after
the National Statistics (ONS).
both the independent NCARRB In February 2021 the ONS said that it was formed, the NCA needs to
and the NCA to support the NCOA although the average house price do something different to address
with its new ‘bullseye zonal model’ in the UK is just over £269,000 the recruitment and retention pressures
for the payment of Geographical costs for those living in London and in London and the South East.
Allowances. the South East are significantly more. Only time will tell whether the
The NCOA has produced an These two areas top the scale at NCA will be innovative enough
ambitious proposition which has £496,000 and £341,000 respectively, support this bold NCOA proposal
been presented to the NCA Board, and the difference with other regions or continue to tinker with their
which we believe addresses both is significant. existing outdated and ineffective
the current imbalances internally So, what will the NCOA proposal model. The full NCOA proposals for
within the NCA, and when mean? An inner zone which is an Geographical Allowances can be
benchmarked against policing area within 25 miles of Central found at www.ncoa.org.uk.
24 / UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 WWW.NCOA.ORG.UKLONG COVID
Picture © Elizaveta Galitckaia / Shutterstock
Long COVID... the virus ‘like Russian
roulette’ for the young and healthy
Why the NCOA supports the principle of a government compensation
“
scheme and wage protection for key workers
As we wait to see how effective the Government plans
are to take all of us out of lockdown 3, with hopefully a
By doing so, the UK would be
return to a more normal life, many experts consider that following the example set by
we will be still dealing with the impact of long COVID
for many months and potentially years to come. countries including Spain, France,
Thankfully, the health of the majority of NCOA Germany, Belgium and Denmark.
members has not been severely affected by COVID.
For most of our members who contracted the virus
thought to impact approximately 10% of those infected;
the impact was relatively short and mild. But just as
although, as many people during the first outbreak
NCOA members reflect the wider public, so there are a
were not tested and therefore did not have a confirmed
minority who have been left with persistent symptoms diagnosis, the figure may be higher.
which range from annoying to debilitating. Recently, 65 MPs and peers signed a letter to the
Prime Minister, asking for long COVID to be recognised
205 different symptoms as an occupational disease. If successful, key workers
‘Long COVID’ is the term loosely used to describe an (which the NCOA says should include our members)
array of symptoms experienced by people after their would be offered protection and potentially receive
initial coronavirus infection, and include breathlessness, compensation if they contracted COVID while working.
fatigue, loss of taste or smell and – in the most severe By doing so, the UK would be following the example set
cases – organ damage. To date, 205 different symptoms by countries including Spain, France, Germany, Belgium
have been associated with long COVID. and Denmark.
Leading immunologist at Imperial College London, While the Government considers its position on
Prof Danny Altmann, recently described the risks and whether it supports a comprehensive compensation
damaging effects of long COVID means that catching scheme for those key workers developing long COVID,
the virus is like “playing Russian Roulette for the young the NCOA has been clear with the Agency that it will
and healthy”. not support any reduction in wages for those who
The Government has already announced that it will have been absent for a prolonged period as a result of
invest £1.85m into four studies looking at long COVID. COVID-related illness.
The British Medical Journal reports that long COVID is
WWW.NCOA.ORG.UK UNDER COVER / ISSUE 14 / SPRING 2021 / 25You can also read
