Career Breaks - Police Officer and Police Staff Policy (PS 145)
1. Aims and objectives of the policy
Nottinghamshire Police is committed to delivering the highest standards of policing to the communities of Nottinghamshire through the utilisation of a highly trained, skilled and motivated workforce.
Fundamental to that commitment is the development of work-life balance initiatives that will enhance the maintenance of an efficient, effective and diverse workforce, in addition to be an employer of choice. Nottinghamshire Police acknowledges that changes in people’s circumstances may lead to those who have joined the service to take a break from their chosen career, with a view to a return to the organisation. This career break scheme offers this facility, subject to meeting certain provisions and conditions.
The overall aim of this policy is to enable police officers to take an unpaid break from their chosen career. For police staff is an opportunity for individual’s to interrupt their careers to concentrate on something else. We will try our best to find you another position, when you are ready to return but do not guarantee that we will find you a suitable position, but will do our best.
2. POLICY STATEMENT
2.1 Eligibility
Police officers and police staff are eligible to apply for a career break provided the following conditions are satisfied:
- Have successfully completed their probationary period. This would include, for instance, newly promoted Sergeants and Inspectors who would need to complete their work-based assessment and be signed off as substantive in that rank
- Consent to resume a career with the Force (only applicable to police officers)
Applicants will not normally be permitted to commence a career break if they are subject to an outstanding complaint, misconduct or gross misconduct disciplinary, Unsatisfactory Performance Procedure or attendance management process.
Each application for a career break will be judged on its individual merit taking account of the exigencies of the service.
What is a Career Break?
A career break is a break in employment for a specific reason, which is unpaid and unpensionable.
A career break may be taken for a variety of reasons, which may include (this list is not exhaustive)
- Domestic/Dependant Care
- Education
- Travel
- Voluntary work
- Undertake religious or belief observance or pilgrimage
There is no entitlement to a career break and the Chief Constable reserves the right to refuse an application in the interest of the operational effectiveness of the service. Such factors may include levels of service e.g. staff approaching retirement, current position or other needs of the organisation.
Please read this policy and procedure in full to understand the eligibility, criteria and any implications.
2.2 Length of Career Break
Police Officers
Police officers who fulfil the criteria can apply for a career break for a period of not less than six months and up to a maximum of five years.
The period of the career break for police officers should not extend beyond their compulsory retirement age.
Police Staff
Police staff who fulfil the criteria can apply for a career break for a period of not less than 6 months and up to 2 years, without the need to resign from Nottinghamshire Police/OPCC for the purposes of domestic/dependant care. This can be extended up to 5 years where the police staff member will be required to resign from Nottinghamshire Police/OPCC.
Police staff who fulfil the criteria can also apply for a career break for a period of not less than 6 months up to 5 years for reasons other non-domestic/dependant care. However, Police staff and staff of the OPCC will be required to resign their employment and terminate their contract of employment/written statement of particulars with Nottinghamshire Police/OPCC.
The Head of PS and OD has the discretion to extend the period of career break beyond the prescribed maximum period in exceptional circumstances.
2.3 Applying for a Career Break
Police officers and police staff wishing to apply for a career break must submit their application form via their line manager, not less than twelve weeks before they wish to commence a career break.
The Divisional Commander/Head of Department or designated deputy has the authority to approve or refuse an application for career break. The decision as to whether to accept or reject the individual’s application should be notified within 28 days of receipt of the application.
Police Officers
Police officers will be under a general duty to inform their line manager of any circumstances, which may affect the agreed objectives, or timescales of a career break.
Police Officers will continue to be regarded as engaged under the direction of the Chief Constable Nottinghamshire Police, and will therefore remain subject to Police Regulations and Codes of Conduct as per Police (Conduct) Regulations 2008. Acts of misconduct committed whilst on a career break will be dealt with in the usual manner.
Prior to commencement of the career break, the individual will be asked to sign a formal agreement, which will apply for the duration of the career break.
Police Staff
Police staff and staff of the OPCC will be required to resign their position following acceptance of their application and terminate their contract of employment/written statement of particulars with Nottinghamshire Police prior to commencing a career break for over 2 years and for reasons other than domestic//dependant care.
3. Appeals
Police Officers
Where an application is rejected, the individual has the right of appeal. The appeal must be submitted to the Head of PS & OD within 28 days of receipt of the written notification of refusal.
Individuals should try to resolve any issues by informally speaking their line manager prior to submitting a formal appeal.
Head of PS & OD will communicate the decision in writing within 14 days of receipt of the appeal. The decision to uphold or reject the appeal by the Head of PS & OD will be final.
Police staff/staff of the OPCC
There is no right to appeal, and the Chief Superintendent /Head of Department`s decision is final. Individuals should try to resolve any issues with their line manager as early as possible and informally.
4. Return to work
Police Officers
There is no guarantee that the police officer will return to their original Post/Area/Department following a career break. The People Services Department will be responsible for identifying an alternative suitable post in line with the current posting procedure.
Police staff/staff of the OPCC
For police staff a career break is an opportunity for employees to interrupt their careers to concentrate on something else. This provides individuals to give up work temporarily, without giving up a career.
Police staff returning to work following a career break for up to 2 years for domestic/dependant care will have a right to the substantive post they left. However, there is no guarantee that the police staff member will return to the original post they have left after 2 years where they have undertaken a career break for domestic/dependant care or any other reason, as they will have been required to resign.
By granting a career break, we promise to do our best to find individuals another position, when they are ready to return. Of course, it is not always easy to find a suitable position for people who have been away from work for a long time. This is why we do not guarantee to find individuals a suitable position when they return to work.
- Vetting and medical
All police officers and police staff will be subject to a level of vetting and medical appropriate to the post/position to which they are returning as outlined in the Force Vetting policy.
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PS 145:
Career Breaks - Police Officer and Police Staff
Type of Document:
Policy
Version:
1.1
Registered Owner:
Claire Salter – Head of People Services and Organisational Development
Author/Reviewer:
Sue Peckham/Jasvir Ginda
Effective Date:
July 2022
Review Date:
July 2027
Replaces Document (if applicable):
N/A
Linked Documents:
PD 780 Career Breaks Procedure Police staff
PD 039 Career Breaks Procedure Police Officers
Career Break Application Form for Police Officers
G 2007A
Career Break Application Form for Police Staff
G 2007B