Benefits package

Benefits, rewards and recognition

Resources

• Pay and rewards
• Working conditions
• Our location
• Recognition
• Wellbeing
• Sport and recreation
• Financial and legal support and advice
• Representative organisations, unions and Staff associations

Pay and rewards

Pensions

We offer generous contributions to individual pension plans. We are part of the Local Government Pension Scheme, a Career Average defined benefit scheme.

Annual leave

Paid annual leave for police staff is 24 days. After 5 years of service, this rises to 29 days plus 8 bank holidays.

Paid annual leave for police officers is 22 days for police officers at the start of their careers, rising to 30 days plus 8 bank holidays.

We also provide a range of leave options which include time off for carers and dependants leave, fertility treatment, training and study leave as well as allowances for reservists, cadets and other voluntary activities such as governorships within schools.

Annual leave purchase

You can apply for up to 10 days additionally purchased leave. This benefit is reviewed annually. It is not available for 2021/22.

Career breaks

We also provide the opportunity to apply for career breaks; periods of extended leave to care for dependents, travel and study or for voluntary service.

Maternity/paternity leave

All Police Officers are entitled to a maximum of 15 months maternity leave regardless of service

All Police Staff are entitled to 52 weeks of maternity leave regardless of length of service.

Paternity leave is 2 weeks and is available to officers and staff.

Working conditions

We believe that alternative work helps our team have a healthy work life balance, and provides a better service to our communities. That’s why we offer alternative and flexible working patterns.

Flexi time

Flexi-time allows our police staff to choose what time to begin and end work ensuring core hours are covered and that 37 hours are worked each week for full time positions.

Alternative working

We also offer alternative working patterns, which could include:

• Compressed hours
• Part time working
• Annualised hours
• Fixed shifts
• Term time working

Our location

Gloucestershire Constabulary Headquarters is based at Waterwells, Gloucester, just off Junction 12 of the M5. It is easily accessible from Gloucester, Cheltenham, Bristol and the Midlands.

At our headquarters, you will find free onsite parking, disabled parking, a park and ride nearby and a secure area for bikes. Along with our bright and modern working spaces across our Waterwells Campus, we have Costa Coffee, a subsidised restaurant and an on-site gym.

Our footprint also includes stations and buildings across the county, serving our neighbourhood policing areas.

Recognition

We formally recognise excellence through our awards programme. This includes our:

Impact Awards

This annual awards evening recognises outstanding performance and/or bravery by police officers, staff, partner agency colleagues and members of the public.

Long Service and Good Conduct ceremonies

This event is held annually and recognises our colleagues for their long, distinguished and meritorious service.

Wellbeing

We truly believe in the wellbeing of our people. That is why our wellbeing package includes access to:

Free eye checks

Free eye tests for those who use Visual Display Units (VDU's) and a £45 pair of glasses or contribution towards glasses if prescribed specifically and solely for VDU use.

Flu jabs and vaccinations

We fund flu immunisations for all our employees. This benefit is subject to annual review. Our Occupational Health team also advise all staff with information for immunisations appropriate for their roles.

Cycle to work scheme

A scheme which allows you to spend up to £1000 on bikes and equipment, tax-free, making a claimed saving of up to 42 per cent on the overall value. You can use the bike and equipment to cycle to work, and in leisure time.

Occupational Health

Our Occupational Health team provides support to our people in all matters of health; in particular how work may impact on health and how ill health may impact on the ability to work. Services, advice and referrals available include: health promotion, vaccinations, counselling, health surveillance and physiotherapy.

Mental Health First-Aiders

Our Mental Health First Aiders are a team of our own employees, available for anyone who is going through some form of mental health issue. The first aider will be present to help guide the person in distress to the relevant help that they need.

TRIM

TRIM is our Trauma Risk Management Programme and is designed to give support and assistance for colleagues who wish to access it, in the aftermath of a traumatic event.

Health Assured (Employee Assistance Provider)

Health Assured is an independent, free and confidential advice service available to all officers, police staff and their families.

Health Assured are available for contact 24/7 and they provide advice and guidance on the following:

• Counselling and emotional support
• Debt and financial management
• Legal and tax advice
• Childcare advice
• Retirement
• Consumer Issues

Global wellbeing challenges

The Constabulary also take part in local, regional and global wellbeing challenges and our people are encouraged to join in. This has included the Virgin Pulse Global Challenge and will soon see us take part in the Step to the Summit and Hydration Challenge.

Sport and recreation

We believe in a positive work life balance and the positive impact sport and recreation on your wellbeing. That is why we also provide you with access to the following:

A gym

We provide a gym at headquarters that is open 24/7 for all personnel who are members of Police Sport UK Gloucestershire to use. The gym costs just £1 per month to join! We also offer discounted membership to local health clubs and gyms.

Sports clubs

There are a number of sports clubs for Constabulary employees to join. These include

• Athletics
• Badminton
• Course Angling
• Cycling
• Flat Green Bowls
• Fly Fishing
• Football
• Golf
• Hockey
• Indoor Sports
• Mixed Martial Arts
• Rugby
• Snow sports
• Ten Pin Bowling
• Tennis
• Volleyball

We support Police Sport UK and encourage teams to be involved. The Constabulary will support you in entering and attending PSUK sporting events.

Blue Light Discounts

We support the Blue Light Card programme which provides online and high street discounts for the Emergency Services.

Force Lottery

The lottery is open to all employees and is drawn each month. The top prize is £1000.

Financial and legal support and advice

We understand the stress and strain of working, running a home and supporting a family. That is why we provide access to financial and legal advice via:

Police Mutual

Financial services exclusively for serving or retired Police Officers, Staff and your Families including; savings and investments, loans, mortgages, personal loans and financial advice.

Health Assured

A confidential employee assistance helpline.

Independent legal advisors

Mortgage, divorce, legal advisors who visit our Headquarters.

Representative organisations, unions and staff associations

At Gloucestershire Constabulary, we have an ever growing range of representative organisations, unions and staff associations available to our staff. As well as the networks listed below, we also have a broadening range of smaller sub networks dedicated to tackling specific issues and supporting certain groups including those dealing with dementia, the menopause, autism and many more.

The Police Federation of England and Wales

The body charged with representing police constables, sergeants and inspectors (including chief inspectors) in all matters affecting welfare and efficiency.

Unison

The public service union, representing full and part time staff who provide public services.

Ability

Gloucestershire Constabulary Disability Support Association has been formed to promote disability equality and to offer guidance and support to any member of
Gloucestershire Constabulary who has a disability, has a caring role for someone with a disability, or whose circumstances are otherwise affected by a relative or partner with a disability.

Christian Police Association

The Christian Policing Association is the National Voice for Christians in Policing, encouraging and supporting Christians in the Police Service. The CPA communicate in words and action, the truth, message and hope of the gospel of Jesus Christ to colleagues and the community we serve, and build bridges between the Christian community and the Police.

Gloucestershire Ethnic Minority Association (GEMA)

GEMA is a support network consisting of minority ethnic Police Officers, Special Constables and staff, of all ranks and grades from across the force. GEMA is committed to ensuring fair and equal treatment of minority ethnic members of Gloucestershire Constabulary and provides a safe space for its members to meet and share issues or experiences. It supports, inspires and advances Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) colleagues and advocates for individuals when needed. GEMA also provides advice and guidance to the Constabulary on policy, working practices and operational matters. GEMA aims to build positive relationships across the county, ensuring we provide a quality service to the diverse communities of Gloucestershire.

LGBT+ Staff Support Network

Gloucestershire LGBT+ is a staff support network helping to assist members of staff who identify as LGBT+ in the workplace, offering advice, support, promoting recruitment and best practice between individuals and the organisation. We are an all-encompassing network that encourages straight allies. These are colleagues that do not identify as LGBT+ but are committed to supporting colleagues who are and act as friends of the network.

Women’s Initiative Network (WIN)

Gloucestershire Constabulary is a fantastic organisation to work within as a female police officer or member of staff. However, as females we can face different challenges, as well as opportunities. WIN is in place to support, inspire and advance female colleagues within the organisation. WIN give advice and support where required as well as running events throughout the year to encourage networking and development.