Provision of information held by Northumbria Police made under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (the 'Act')
As you may be aware the purpose of the Act is to allow a general right of access to information held at the time of a request, by a Public Authority (including the Police), subject to certain limitations and exemptions.
You asked:
Re sickness.
1. How many days off work did Police Officers take due to ill-health, sickness etc in each each year since 2010?
2. How many Police Officers took more than one day off work due to mental health reasons in each year since 2010?
Re Leavers.
3. How many PIP Level 2 and above officers have left the force since 2010, this does not include retirements.
In Response:
Following receipt of your request, searches were conducted with the Human Resources Department of Northumbria Police. I can confirm that the information you have requested is held by Northumbria Police.
I am able to disclose the located information to you as follows.
Q1
|
Year |
Days |
|
2010 |
26313 |
|
2011 |
29024 |
|
2012 |
33742 |
|
2013 |
26830 |
|
2014 |
27994 |
|
2015 |
27910 |
|
2016 |
25584 |
|
2017 |
24377 |
|
2018 |
17781 |
|
|
|
*2018 data up to and including 21st Sep 18
In the period between 2010 and 2018, significant efforts have been made to provide supportive frameworks to assist in addressing officer absence. This has included widespread use of recuperative plans and recuperative duties, including the ability for officers to carry out work from home where appropriate, and ability for extensive workplace adjustments to be made which enhances ability to return to work and remain at work for longer periods of time.
In addition, it would be remiss not to highlight that a significant reduction in the number of police officers has taken place between 2010 and 2018. In 2010 there were 4231 officers (headcount) on the establishment of Northumbria Police, compared to an establishment of 3200 officers (headcount) in 2018. Proportionately this creates an absence ratio of 2.39% for 2010 compared to a ratio of 4.27% in 2018.
Q2
|
Year |
No. of Officers |
|
2010 |
125 |
|
2011 |
160 |
|
2012 |
171 |
|
2013 |
151 |
|
2014 |
197 |
|
2015 |
206 |
|
2016 |
200 |
|
2017 |
197 |
|
2018 |
160 |
*2018 data up to and including 21st Sep 18
The number of officers who have reported absent for one day or more due to psychological issues is increasing – this is a trend which has been recognised and acknowledged, with efforts ongoing to provide additional support to officers in respect of this. This has included the introduction of a comprehensive wellbeing framework, and also working with other Blue Light partners to introduce Blue Light Champions who have received training in psychological ill health, and who can provide advice and support to colleagues. The post trauma risk management response (TRIM) has moved from being an OHU led functionality to peer led, creating a more responsive and relatable facility for officers and staff to access.
As outlined above the number of officers in the workforce has reduced since 2010, creating a higher ratio of psychological absence in 2018 than in 2010. Regular analysis of absence data takes place and interventions put in place to improve attendance. Northumbria Police are continually trying to adopt new ways of working to reduce the demands placed on both our officers and police staff, and maintain acceptable levels of work life balance, and a significant piece of work in this regard is ongoing.
Q3. A total of 65 qualified officers have left since 2010 excluding retirements.
