Reform for our inspecting ranks is long overdue. To evidence this, we conducted our first ever Inspecting Ranks Survey with members in 2024, aimed to assess the experiences of inspectors and chief inspectors regarding pay, working conditions, shift patterns, entitlements, and additional responsibilities.

The survey was launched on 5 August 2024 and was open for five weeks; it closed on 8 September 2024. Overall, 4,170 complete responses were received during this time.

The survey has led to the information within the pay positioning document, which you can read in full here.

In summary:

• The 1994 PNB Agreement, which governs pay and conditions for inspecting ranks, is outdated and needs urgent revision.
• The current lack of rostered shift patterns for inspecting ranks is creating dissatisfaction and must urgently be addressed. The vast majority (93 per cent) of respondents believe they should be entitled to a rostered shift pattern.
• Overwork and underpayment are central issues for both inspectors and chief inspectors. Urgent reform is needed to recognise and properly reward workload.
• The gap in pay between chief inspectors and inspectors remains too narrow, despite the increased responsibilities chief inspectors bear. It’s time to recognise the unique demands of the role with a more significant pay gap.

The evidence has been submitted to the Pay Review Body and PFEW expects a response at the end of July.

> Inspecting Ranks Survey: Key findings 

• During a four-week period, 67 per cent of respondents reported working an extra 0-20 hours above 40 hours per week (or above their agreed part time hours), while 23 per cent work an extra 21-40 hours.
  
  
• Just 30 per cent reported being paid for working over their agreed part time hours, and only 54 per cent report that these hours count towards their pension.
  
  
• A vast majority of respondents (93 per cent) feel members in inspecting ranks working full time should be entitled to a rostered shift pattern within Police Regulations.
  
  
• 90 per cent of chief inspectors worked over their agreed part time hours compared to 87 per cent inspectors.
  
  
• Detectives are more likely to work 21-40 extra hours (28 per cent) above 40 hours per week (or above their agreed part time hours) compared to non-detectives (20 per cent).
  
  
• 60 per cent of respondents are dissatisfied with their basic pay, with dissatisfaction higher among chief inspectors (70 per cent) than inspectors (57 per cent).
  
  
• 81 per cent of respondents expressed dissatisfaction with their allowances, with dissatisfaction highest in roles like Road Policing (87 per cent) and Investigations (85 per cent).
  
  
• 80 per cent of respondents prefer a choice between financial compensation or a rest day in lieu for having to work on a rest day; only 16 per cent preferred financial compensation only.
  
  
• 85 per cent of respondents disagreed with the lack of additional payment for working on public holidays, with a higher proportion of disagreement amongst roles such as the Central Communications Unit (91 per cent) and Custody (90 per cent).
  
  
• 65 per cent of respondents disagreed with not receiving extra pay when required to work in another force area (i.e. mutual aid), with highest disagreement seen in roles like Operational Support (75 per cent) and Neighbourhood Policing (72 per cent).

 
Related articles and resources

> A guide to the working conditions of inspecting ranks

> Serious concerns over regulations as survey reveals extent of excessive working hours

> Inspecting ranks (Part-1): Know your rights and manage your time

> Inspecting ranks (Part-2): Understanding rest days in lieu

> Inspecting ranks (Part-3): Managing your hours and flexibility

> Inspecting ranks (Part-4): Is it time to revise PNB 1994 Agreement?

> Inspecting ranks (Part-5): Know your entitlements on part-time and rest day working, and on-call