BTP Federation is seeking to engage a Conduct and Performance Lead to provide specialist advice and assistance to Federation Representatives and members.
By the nature of their role, police officers must make difficult and sometimes split-second judgments. This can result in officers being investigated for their conduct and decision-making by the Force's Professional Standards Department (PSD) and/or the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). These investigations can be protracted and require additional legal advice and representation.
The recent independent review of BTP Federation identified the need for investment in a new Conduct and Performance Lead to ensure the Federation is compliant with, and holds the Force to account on, all necessary legal and regulatory matters and requirements related to conduct and performance.
This role is initially being offered on a part-time, self-employed basis for a period of twelve months. The monthly fee is £;1500. This will enable the Federation to monitor progress and evaluate the level of investment required for the role in the future.
The full role description and key competencies are available below.
To be considered for this role, please send your CV and a covering letter explaining your suitability for the role to info@btpfed.co.uk by 31 January 2023.
Conduct and Performance Lead - Role Description
Role Purpose
The Conduct and Performance Lead provides specialist advice and assistance to Federation Representatives and members on conduct and performance issues
The Conduct and Performance Lead ensures that the Federation is compliant with, and holds the Force to account on all necessary legal and regulatory matters and requirements related to conduct and performance
Key Responsibilities
Listed below are the key responsibilities that an individual elected as a Conduct and Performance Lead is expected to carry out:
Leadership
Promote the standards of conduct and performance within the Federation, based on law, regulations, and the Code of Ethics, including the Standards of Professional Behaviour
Strategic lead and specific point of contact for the Federation for all conduct and performance related matters
Lead fellow Conduct and performance representatives, mentoring, supporting, and guiding new representatives where required
Representation and Engagement
Work closely with executive members of the Federation, specifically the Chair and General Secretary, to monitor distribution of work loads of Conduct and Performance representatives, report on key strategic cases and outcomes, and promote lessons learnt if possible
Seek to identify and maintain key relationships with both internal and external stakeholders in the subject matter e.g. legal, senior Officers in Force, Independent Advisory Groups, other staff, and police associations
Seek to establish and develop the Federation's strategy for conduct and performance, raising awareness of this area to management
Act as conduit and liaison between the Federation, Workplace Representatives, the Force, and members to communicate key legislation issues, change in practices and any other relevant updates relating to conduct and performance
Manage the engagement with members, regarding conduct and performance concerns, coordinating with the Workplace Representative and acting as a point of escalation on specialised cases
Manage attendance of all appropriate obligatory and statutory conduct and performance meetings e.g. with Business Areas, Force, the region
Administration
Comply with all appropriate built in time scales for misconduct and performance work, including set regulatory guidance
Aid, advise and oversee the completion of relevant forms, using specialist knowledge, where appropriate
Support the member, advise the Workplace Representative, and oversee, both the informal and formal, conduct and performance processes, including the key activities listed below where appropriate:
Prepare materials for all appropriate misconduct meetings and hearings, including professionally gathering evidence and interviewing any witnesses where necessary.
Attend misconduct hearings and meetings to provide support to the member and or representative where necessary
Provide verbal advocacy on behalf of the member or Representative in necessary misconduct meetings
Prepare, attend and advocate on behalf of the member or Representative at any necessary under performance procedure or under attendance activities
Act as a point of review and challenge for Force documentation relating to conduct and performance where appropriate e.g. under performance procedures
Prepare materials for the Conduct and Performance Annual Report for the Federation conference, as well as completing regular reports for Federation or Management Board meetings for publication when required
Maintain a comprehensive working knowledge of all conduct and performance trends, legislation, regulations, rules, policies, and practices
Prepare communication materials, including relevant training, to update all relevant parties on key updates to conduct and performance practices i.e.; for Management Board and all misconduct trained representatives
Management
Aid the coordination of conduct and performance work within the Federation, cognisant of Workplace Representative's geography, workload, and emotional wellbeing
Manage the Federation's in-house training on conduct and performance, ensuring Representatives, Force, Management Board, and members are up to date on all relevant topical issues
Conduct and Performance Lead - Key Competencies
Listed below are the key competencies that an individual performing the role of Conduct and Performance Lead is expected to have. Where there are gaps in these competencies, the individual should be prepared to undertake relevant training and seek necessary support.
Functional
Experience in using modern IT systems
Representatives are encouraged to attend training courses relating to conduct and performance, both internally and externally, with a commitment to continual development of subject matter knowledge e.g. internal core training, advocacy courses
Inter-personal
Ability to work well in a team, with strong interpersonal skills
Strong written and communication skills, including the ability to represent and advocate for a variety of individuals to stakeholders of varying levels of seniority
Good negotiation and mediation skills
Respect for confidentiality
Proactive and forward thinking e.g. continuously identifying what can be done to improve functions and activities
Time management skills
It is desirable to have certain personality traits such as patience, tolerance, enthusiasm, and personal motivation for the role
Values
It is expected that the Federation Conduct and Performance Lead will lead by example and represent commitment to the values outlined in the Federation's core purpose, including:
Openness
Transparency
Member first
Collaboration
Integrity
Compliance
Post holders should ensure that their actions and practices are compliant with all relevant Police Regulations and Determinations, Force Requirements and Policies, including the College of Policing Code of Ethics and its Code of Practice for the Principles and Standards of Professional Behaviour for the Policing Profession of England and Wales. Whilst holding a position within BTPF, representatives must also remain compliant with all BTPF Regulations, Rules, and Policies (constitution).
Location
This is a hybrid role and there will be an expectation that the post holder will travel in line with their Federation duties. For example, to attend monthly progress meetings, national meetings and training as well as being committed to interacting with Federation members as required.