Why Join This Course
Navigating the Police (Performance) Regulations 2020 requires confidence, precision, and up-to-date statutory knowledge. This two-hour refresher strips away unnecessary legal jargon and focuses strictly on what sergeants and inspectors need to do. Built around a single, continuous case study, this interactive workshop gives you practical experience in handling formal performance procedures correctly the first time.
Why It Matters
Procedural mistakes at the early stages of performance management can undermine an entire process, lead to successful appeals, or fail officers who genuinely need clear guidance and support. Supervisors are the primary decision-makers at Stage 1; ensuring your record-keeping, decision-making, and communication adhere strictly to statutory regulations protects both the force’s operational standards and the officer’s right to a fair process.
How It Helps Investigations & Operational Delivery
(Note: Since this course focuses on supervisor performance management, “investigations” refers to the internal evidence-gathering and case preparation required under the regulations).
- Evidence-Based Decisions: Teaches supervisors how to identify concrete performance gaps rather than relying on subjective impressions, ensuring robust evidence packs.
- Misconduct Differentiation: Helps supervisors quickly recognise when a performance matter crosses the line into possible misconduct, health issues, or welfare concerns requiring different investigative channels.
- Defensible Record-Keeping: Prepares supervisors to write defensible decision notices and escalation briefings that stand up to legal scrutiny, Stage 1 appeals, or Stage 2 panel reviews.
Who Should Attend
- Police Sergeants & Temporary Sergeants who line-manage officers and manage initial performance concerns.
- Police Inspectors & Chief Inspectors overseeing Stage 1 processes, hearing appeals, or preparing cases for escalation.
- Assessors & Work-Based Tutors responsible for monitoring probationer or officer development.
(Note: This course is designed for supervisors of police officers. Performance management for police staff should follow the force’s specific employment policies).
Learning Objectives
By the end of this two-hour session, participants will be able to:
- Route Appropriately: Correctly differentiate between unsatisfactory performance, health/welfare issues, and potential misconduct under the 2020 Regulations.
- Execute Stage 1 Meetings: Prepare valid meeting packs, adhere to notice and representation requirements (Regulations 15–17), and conduct effective formal conversations.
- Draft Compliance Notices: Produce clear, legally sound Written Improvement Notices with measurable targets and distinct validity periods (Regulations 17–19).
- Evaluate Progress: Assess whether performance improvement is sufficient and sustained, and correctly handle the Stage 1 appeal route.
- Prepare for Escalation: Explain the trigger points for a Stage 2 panel and draft a succinct, evidence-based escalation briefing (Regulations 30–33 & 44–46).
