- Conference
- 2022 Police & Justice Service Group Conference
- Date
- 8 June 2022
- Decision
- Carried
This conference understands that members may find themselves in a situation that warrants a disciplinary sanction and as a consequence this sanction may be a written or final written warning. Under these circumstances vetting may be withdrawn, thus having the effect of rendering them unable to continue in their role. This for all intents and purposes is a dismissal. Some forces have a redeployment process in place and other look at it as capability.
The vetting appeals process is far from transparent unlike an appeal process for misconduct or grievance.
Very often the outcome of a misconduct will be used years after the event in making judgements about vetting. These are employment matters that should run no longer than the sanction itself. Even criminal convictions have sell-by dates.
Conference believes it is unfair to maintain a sanction beyond its normal lifespan and unless there are exceptional circumstances, these sanctions should be lifted as soon as possible.
Conference instructs the SGE to::
1)Raise the issue with the NPCC (National Police Chief’s Council) seeking support for:
a)The introduction of a clearly defined appeals procedure;
b)The creation of a specific procedure for assessing vetting post misconduct outcome.
2)Raise the issue with the NPCC vetting group:
a)Seeking to develop guidance on the duration of vetting bans emphasising appropriate reasonable time scales and
b)Requesting that the subject receive full disclosure of reasons and rationale for the removal/change of vetting status following a misconduct outcome.
3)Bring the issues to the attention of the PSC to explore the potential impact on the terms and conditions of Police Staff and if identified, seek appropriate negotiated solutions;
4)Raise our concerns with the College of Policing seeking to amend the APP (Approved Professional Practice) to reflect the desired changes.