STAFF at Powys County Council (PCC) will be allowed to volunteer as special constables for Dyfed-Powys Police Force.
At a meeting of the Powys Public Service Board (PSB), Dr Martin Wright explained to board members the benefits of “Employer Supported Policing” can have for workforces.
He had been invited to give speak at the meeting on Thursday, December 19, by PSB chair and Powys County Council (PCC) leader, Cllr Rosemarie Harris:
Cllr Harris said: “Martin via one of our county councillors contacted me and the head of PCC Human Resources and talked about whether our staff would be interested in becoming special constables.
“We have many areas of talent and expertise in our workforce where we can support this.”
Dr Wright explained that ESP was a UK Government Home Office sponsored scheme which actively encouraged people to become police volunteers
Dr Wright said: “Research has shown that there is a large interest in individuals who are employed by organisations in both public and private sector becoming volunteers.”
He explained that the scheme was similar to “Retained” firefighters members of Armed Forces Reserve (Territorial Army) and the RNLI.
Dr Wright continued: “There is lots of value to the organisations involved and the employees becoming volunteers.
“It increases the diversity of skills and knowledge in a workforce, it helps develop your staff skills.”
Dr Wright added that those companies and organisations that signed up to ESP received recognition as “Investors in People.”
Dr Wright added: “I’m delighted to say that the county council has signed up to ESP this morning and we’re very grateful to the Leader for that.”
Dr Wright believed that staff members who do volunteer become more “enthusiastic and absorbed in their work.”
Cllr Harris urged all the other organisations in the room “to give it some thought.”
Craig Thomas of Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service (MAWWFRS), said: “The Fire Service is run on volunteers and we thank them all.
“Every organisation here supplies firefighters.
“It brings a lot of training, lot of skills and life skills to your organisation, it’s a really good scheme and highly recommended.”
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