The stance of the Metropolitan Inspectors Branch Board (IBB) with regard 'On-Call'.

We are against the principle of on-call and firmly believe that when a member has finished their days work they should be free from any expectation to work or restrictions on their private life. We understand the many varied operational requirements upon our members but believe these can be resolved by the proper resourcing and a change in the working culture, thereby bringing the working conditions closer to those envisaged as a result of the 1994 pay agreement for Inspecting Ranks

We have an agreement with the MPS in respect of a 'On Call' policy a copy of which you can access via the link below. The overarching principle of this policy is that no officer can be required to be 'On Call' and that no adverse inference can be drawn by an officers refusal to do so. 

It is our view that officers who are part time should not undertake to be 'On Call' unless it is part of their contracted hours.

This agreement which has been in place now since 2005 still needs a change in the mind set of both senior managers as well as some of our members as we strive to move away from the archaic practices that have been utilised to date.  The service is slowly coming round to reviewing whether out of office hours cover is really required, and at locations where they decide it is, they are looking at different ways of providing it. Which could mean for some brigading with neighbouring OCUs and sharing the workload.

Click here to view a copy of the 'On Call' policy

It is vitally important that any officer who VOLUNTEERS to be 'On Call' should ensure that he/she is provided with the following information in writing prior to commencing the duty.

1. That they are being asked to be on-call
2. What is expected of them, duty performance wise, when on call;
3. What restrictions are being placed upon the individuals private life whilst performing on-call duty.

Members are reminded of the requirements of the WTR and Police Regulations already in place. Time on-call is not working time per-se but when members are called and deal with work related issues, any time so spent is classified as working time and these working hours must be recorded and therefore taken into account when calculating appropriate working hours etc.