21.09.18
Essex council employees offered 10 fully paid days to police local communities
Staff members at a council in Essex are being offered 10 fully paid days to leave the office and team up with local police to give back to their local communities.
Basildon Council launched an event yesterday endorsing Employing Supported Policing, where officers will be supported by staff members in an agreement that allows civil servants to sign up as special constables and support the local community.
Special Constable Gordon Humphries works as a planning officer for the council and was awarded a certificate by council chief executive Scott Logan for his dedication and commitment to the community.
Gordon will be supported by Basildon Council to go on duty during work hours once every five weeks, giving him skills beneficial to his day job.
“It gives me greater flexibility when planning my duties around my job and home life,” said SC Humphries. “It gives me the peace of mind that I have the full support of my employer. It also lets me volunteer my time by giving back to my local community.”
He added: “The employees gain new skills and greater confidence which in turns will benefit the business or organisation. Being a Special Constable demonstrates that I am committed and being allowed to spend work time volunteering makes me feel valued.”
Scott Logan said: “As an employer with a lot of staff who live locally, we believe this scheme is an effective and powerful way for us to invest in our staff and our local communities.
“We are committed to supporting our staff with flexible working that gives them the time to learn new skills outside of their work role which benefits both them and their community.
Superintendent Simon Anslow, head of the Special Constabulary at Essex Police, said: “We’re delighted to be able to launch Employer Supported Policing with Basildon Council today. Our Special Constabulary is the fastest growing in the country and our volunteer police officers are making a massive difference to Essex communities.”
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