Many employers recognise are now recognising the substantial benefits to their organisations of their staff becoming involved in voluntary activities outside of work.

If you are a Norfolk employer, there are a number of benefits to you having employees also serving as Special Constables, including:

 

• Individual Staff Development
  Through Special Constabulary service, employees can gain valuable transferable skills, including: decision-making, communication, problem solving, leadership, working in a team, dealing with conflict, self-monitoring and control.
• Management Training
  Our Special Constabulary section officers are usually responsible for co-ordinating up to 12 other Special Constables. They all complete our management training course that aims to give them the skills they need to manage their team. The training includes sessions on: handling difficult situations; the role of the supervisor; communication; handling stress, pressure and time; and team building.
• Improved Staff Morale, Motivation and Retention
  Staff with a worthwhile interest outside of work feel more fulfilled and are more motivated. They are less likely to seek alternative employment and could prove themselves to be a strong asset to your business.
• Supporting the Local Community
  Companies are increasingly adopting 'Corporate Responsibility' policies and are demonstrating to their customers, the public and other businesses that they are actively trying to improve the local community for everyone.
• A Positive Marketing Opportunity
  Raise your company's local profile by showing your support for staff who volunteer and who are helping to: increase visible police presence on the streets; effectively tackle local crime and disorder issues; and reduce the fear of crime in the community.
• Saving On Staff Development Costs
  Each Special Constable is thoroughly-trained over a period of a year according to a predetermined training syllabus. They develop a range of transferable skills that not only enables them to carry out their role in a professional and safe manner, but will naturally transfer into the workplace. This has the potential to save you money on training costs.
  
  The Government’s Department for Education and Employment has published figures which show that 41 per cent of employers provide some form of 'off the job' training for their employees over an average 2.7 of training days per year. On average a Special Constable will complete 12 days formal training per year, which is nearly four and a half times more than a company may provide. (This does not take into account additional 'on the job' training that supplements formal sessions.) To develop the skills that a Special Constable will gain could cost your company between £7,000 and £9,000 if bought commercially.

 

STEP - Get involved!

Norfolk Constabulary operates an employer Support Scheme for existing or potential Special Constables. The scheme is called the Specials Through Employers Partnership Scheme (STEP) and it aims to encourage volunteers to join the Special Constabulary with their employer's support.

 

If you would like any further information about the role of a Police Special, please contact Sue Goode by telephoning 101 and asking for the Special Constabulary or by emailing stepspecials@norfolk.pnn.police.uk or check out the Police Could You website.