Adrian Rutherford's blog

Olympics Leave

This week we were able to lift the Olympics leave embargo for some Police Staff which is good news. Unfortunately the embargo is still in place for all Police Officers and some front line Police Staff. I know this must be very frustrating for people but I can assure Officers and Staff that we are doing our best to lift the embargo as soon as we can.

As I am involved in the planning of the Olympics in Sussex I can see the the event is unprecedented for policing in the UK. Although I am really excited about the event - and I think it will show GB in a positive light - many staff will be asked to work away from their homes and for long hours. This will be a really heavy year for policing given the Olympics and the torch relay, Euro 2012, the Queeen’s Diamond Jubilee and the party conference we have in Sussex. This require our staff and Officers to show maximum good will and dedication and as usual they will come up trumps.

All of this in the midst of a 2 year pay freeze!

Fri 3 Feb 11:03AM

Fri 3 Feb 11:03AM

Good bye 2011

I wont be sorry to see the back of this year work wise.

This has probably been the most challenging year of my service and the year when the cuts (I probably should deem them ‘savings’ or ‘service improvements’ !) started to bite. At the start of the year we had our Voluntary Severance Scheme which saw over 300 of our Police Staff colleagues leave us. This was a really good scheme which gave many people a choice and I have no doubt prevented redundancies and uncertainty for many staff. However we did say goodbye to some valued colleagues and I know many of them left with a heavy heart.

I was also involved in many of the meetings with staff who were subject to changes and we had to deliver some very difficult messages which left staff uncertain for the future. I hope we conducted these processes in the best way possible but the worried look on people’s faces did stay with me for a while. 

We also had our own change in HR which led to a reduction of 30 posts. At times this was a really difficult process with people very close to me experiencing the anxiety and uncertainty of change. It has taken us a while to get onto a reasonable even keel.

In May I had to attend the Police Authority meeting which agreed to the implementation of Regulation A.19 - the compulsory retirement of Officers after 30 years service. Whilst the force had not option but to invoke this, I knew that many good people and some I consider as friends would be leaving the force.

This blog is not meant to be a doom and gloom entry but it has been one of those years. Personally I am grateful I still have a job given the general outlook and I have a new team who are really moving things forward. 

I am hopeful that 2012 will be a better year! I am really looking forward to the London Olympics and have a ticket! But currently we have a time off embargo so not sure if I can go!

Happy New Year.

Wed 21 Dec 4:30PM

Industrial Action

Preparing for the planned industrial action next Wednesday. Early indication is that it will not effect service delivery but of course we will not really know until the day. Biggest issue may be the number of school closures.

We have a good relationship with our local UNISON branch who will be picketing HQ for a few hours on 30th November. Many staff will have mixed views about crossing a picket line. I have mixed views about the issue. The country probably cannot afford the current pension scheme we are on - I certainly get complaints from friends who work in the private sector - however deep down I hope that the campaign wins some concessions. Whilst my pension drawing days are many years away,(its true!) I do often wonder how I will afford retirement.

Tue 22 Nov 4:09PM

Winners and losers...

The Supt results are out. Was able to observe the interviews on Friday and the decisions regarding postings. Good experience but would not have wanted to be interviewed by that panel. They were fair and friendly but too much brain power for me to have coped with! 

Promotion processes for senior ranks always interesting times! Lots of theories go round the force about who is in the ‘in crowd’ and who is not. When on Division always thought there was an element of ‘stitch up’ as to who got through. Now having seen it close hand have more confidence in the process.

Always feel sorry for those who did not get through - such a public display of their performance. Some of them very good and have worked very hard for Sussex. Not sure how we can reward hard work in the service?

New process was good but not sure if we have got it completely right - no process can be and I am sure we will review. Now onto the Chief Inspector process!

Tue 15 Nov 10:12AM

Back to my roots...

Have escaped Lewes HQ for morning meeting in Crawley Police Station and now at Brighton Police Station. 2 Police stations in one day! Great to meet up with some old friends at Brighton and giving me a dose of the reality of Sussex Police. Have left it far too long to get out and about again - must always keep in touch with what really goes on at the front line.

Heard about a particular incident from Detective Inspector Bill Warner (always good for telling me how things should be done) which puts into perspective why the organisation exists and all the good people we have working for us. 

Tue 1 Nov 2:43PM

Special Constables Wanted..

Sussex Police have a target to recruit 160 Special Constables this year. We have started well but interest has slowed recently so we are looking at ways to reach out to potential volunteer Police Officers.

If you have been inspired by some of the images of #spplive, these are great opportunities for people who are interested in policing and helping their community. More details on the role and how to apply can be found at our website www.sussex.police.uk

Mon 31 Oct 12:16PM

Update on Supt Promotion Process

Short listing panel sat this week to consider the 28 supported applications from Chief Inspectors wanting to be Superintendents. Panel considered evidence against set of agreed criteria. As a result 13 candidates have been put through to undertake a presentation and interview in front of the Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable and the Director of HR. Rather them than me !

Best part of week was telling the successful people they are through. I also had to inform the unsuccessful candidates - never easy especially to those I have worked with for a long time.

Interviews in less than 2 weeks. Best of luck to all.  

Fri 28 Oct 2:07PM

Freedom of Information!

Seemed to have been inundated this week with requests for data under the Freedom of information Act. Obviously some of these are from media organisation trying to make a story. I am all for ‘freedom of information’ but cannot believe the intention of the legislation is/was to bog down public servants and turn them into data processors.

Thu 27 Oct 9:23AM

Chief Inspector Promotion Process

The promotion process for Inspectors who want to be Chief Inspectors has started today with an invite to submit applications. Likely to be a high number applying. We have designed a robust process but one which reduces bureaucracy and does not mean that candidates have to do unnecessary preparation. Whilst all promotion processes are important, this one is particularly so as it will identify our future District Commanders.

Mon 24 Oct 1:44PM

training

just being trained in the use of a smart phone. fat fingers not helping.

Fri 21 Oct 10:43AM

Supt Promotion Procedure

Monday is the closing date for Chief Inspectors to get their applications in for promotion to the rank of Superintendent. As such my e-mail account is being inundated with applications. Short listing takes place next week with interviews in early November. Lots of nervous people - hopefully they have taken the advice not to over prepare and take their minds off their day jobs. We will see !

Fri 21 Oct 10:19AM