STEP - What is it and how can it help you?

Our STEP scheme is an innovative way of encouraging new volunteers to apply while providing a network to fully support and retain the Specials already serving with us.

STEP stands for Specials Through Employers Partnership and was the first scheme of its kind in the country.

STEP asks employers to sponsor an employee who would like to volunteer by allowing them up to a maximum of one paid day per month off work on which to undertake work as a Special Constable. The employee in turn agrees to match the hours sponsored by the employer whilst also fulfilling our requirement for 16 hours service per month.

The scheme was started as a result of Norfolk Constabulary seeing a decline in the numbers of Specials, as was the case in a number of other UK police forces.

Exit interviews carried out with former Norfolk Specials highlighted that volunteers primarily left through having difficulty balancing work, home and voluntary commitments. Similarly, many potential recruits often cite time commitments as the reason for feeling unable to work as a Special.

The STEP scheme has been designed to help volunteers balance their time commitments and also assists local businesses and organisations in playing a more active part in their communities.

Currently, we have 26 private and public businesses supporting STEP, including Norfolk Fire and Rescue Service and Norfolk County Council. The partnerships the scheme has enabled us to form with these businesses demonstrates the willingness of local companies in making a positive contribution to the local community.

 

How could it benefit you?

Two specials who are sponsored under STEP explain how they benefit from the scheme.

Martin is sponsored by Sainsbury’s.

He said: "The STEP scheme for me is all about flexibility. It gives me the opportunity, through the sponsorship of my employer, to volunteer for duty that I would not otherwise be available for, and to join in on operations that I could not normally be part of.

“Although as a Special you are still mostly on duty in the evenings and on weekends, this element of variety through STEP helps maintain my personal interests and development within the constabulary, working as I do alongside a larger variety of regular officers than would normally be possible. Indeed the high point for me this year during one of my STEP days was to be part of a team that searched for, and then seized a quantity of suspected stolen items from two premises during Operation Harrier.

“I believe this scheme is the way forward to recruit and retain Specials such as myself, with the support of the business community in the shape of local employers."

 

How does it benefit Martin's employer?

Martin's HR Manager Bridget said:

"Martin approached us more than a year ago to enquire about support for the STEP programme and we were happy to find out more about what was involved. At Sainsbury's we are always seeking new ways to establish links with the community. STEP was an ideal opportunity to do that from the outset whilst supporting one of our colleagues.

“A meeting was arranged with the STEP co-ordinator to establish what sort of commitment we were required to give. The paperwork involved was short, simple and easy to complete with all the detail that we required to understand our role in the programme. I was pleased to find out that the system was flexible and could be adapted for a suitable agreement to be drawn up to suit all three parties involve: the police, ourselves and our colleague. Timescales can be reviewed if support cannot be offered forever, which gives employers peace of mind.

“I am pleased to say that in our case we are continuing our sponsorship and the arrangement works well. We hope that our support for the programme demonstrates that we value our colleagues and are happy for them to pursue commitments outside of work."

 

Medical secretary Sarah is sponsored by the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. She said:

"Working at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital as a medical secretary means that I greatly appreciate being sponsored through the STEP scheme by my employer. I consider it a great advantage knowing that I not only have the support of my family and friends but my employer too!

“After discussion with the hospital, it was agreed that I would be sponsored eight hours per month, which I use to take leave the first Monday in every month. I use this time for duties, making the most of the opportunity to work alongside regular police officers as well as fellow Special Constables for a longer duty period.

Although I have only been a Special for a few months I have really enjoyed my initial training and first few times on duty. I have found being based in a rural community very rewarding, working as part of a team, and helping to provide an efficient emergency service.

I have also found that being a Special is challenging at times and a huge learning curve. Over the next few months I am looking forward to gaining valuable experience, knowledge and skills in my role as a Special which will also benefit my work as a medical secretary. I believe these skills will build my self-confidence and improve my communication skills, not only with members of the public but also with a wide variety of staff working for Norfolk Constabulary."

 

How does it benefit Sarah's employer?

Sarah's office manager, Michelle, said:

"I am pleased that the Trust recognises the benefits of being involved in STEP and it gives me the authority as Sarah's manager to give her the support she requires by sponsoring her for one day per month.

“Sarah's work gives vital manpower to another emergency service provider and her work benefits the community by helping to reduce crime and provide a safer environment. This is both beneficial to the hospital as well as the police force. STEP also provides another working partnership between organisations, which may never otherwise have the opportunity to assist.

“I feel Sarah will also benefit personally by gaining confidence through new skills and different communication techniques. This will enhance the excellent interpersonal skills she already has.

“Sarah's enthusiasm for her new role shines through and this can only be a positive attitude for success in both her working practices."

 

If you would like any further information about STEP, 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.