KNOW YOUR RIGHTS
rather than replacing, dependants leave. Sam Hawkins, Norfolk Police
Federation Secretary and Equality Lead, has negotiated a policy change in her force after learning of its shortfalls, including the statement, “any misuse of this entitlement may invoke misconduct procedures”, and downplaying this
entitlement by not explaining how it works in full. “The wording was really draconian and
managers reading it took that restrictive view of it and were being difficult,” she explained. “Once I received the research from PFEW, I went straight to HR and spoke to the advisor who deals with policy. To be fair to the force, they did remove that paragraph straight away, thanks to the Fed. “Previously, I have seen a very low
take-up of officers making use of this entitlement and officers coming to us to say their manager wouldn’t let them have it, then us entering negotiation with them to secure some days off. “I haven’t had as many problems since – but there are still many practices that need to be improved as a whole. Little things like this are a step in the right direction though. “It is good to bring these things to the
fore, to try to change some attitudes and make things easier for officers in those situations.” On a positive note, an example of good
practice was found in Gloucestershire Constabulary. As well as explaining the procedure clearly, it provides practical examples of circumstances when TOfD could be taken.
“There are still many practices that need to be improved, but little things are a step in the right direction”
• A childminder or nurse fails to turn up as arranged or the nursery or nursing
Gloucestershire’s policy includes the following examples:
• A dependant has been involved in an incident.
home has to close unexpectedly.
• A childcare provider advises an individual that the following week,
• To make arrangements for the provision of care for an ill or injured
• A dependant is seriously ill, but expected eventually to recover.
dependant.
• A dependant is terminally ill, i.e. they have been told what a consultant
• A dependant has been diagnosed as having a disability for which they need
believes to be their life expectancy.
time to come to terms, and an assessment made of their needs, such as multiple sclerosis, motor neurone disease, Crohn’s disease, or stroke.
or on a certain date, they are not able to care for the child, and there are no alternative arrangements to put in place.
If you are experiencing any issues surrounding TOfD or Parental Bereavement Leave, or have any questions, please contact your local Federation where a rep will be on hand to resolve.
The full report and advice document is available at
www.polfed.org/support/ time-off-for-dependants.
YOUR TOFD RIGHTS A member of a police force is entitled to be permitted by their chief officer to take a reasonable amount of time off during their normal duty periods to take the following action when necessary:
• Provide assistance when a dependant falls ill, gives birth, or is injured or assaulted.
• Make arrangements for the provision of care for a dependant who is ill or injured.
• After the death of a dependant. • Because of unexpected disruption or termination of arrangements for the care of a dependant.
• To deal with an incident that involves a child of the member that occurs unexpectedly in a period during which the child’s educational establishment is responsible for them.
33 | POLICE | FEBRUARY 2023
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