The Police (Performance) Regulations 2020

Appeal against the finding and outcome of a first stage meeting

19.—(1) This regulation applies where, at the first stage meeting, the line manager found that the performance or attendance of the officer concerned has been unsatisfactory.

(2) Where this regulation applies, the officer concerned may appeal against–

(a) that finding, or

(b) any of the matters specified in paragraph (3) and recorded in the written improvement notice (in these Regulations referred to as the relevant terms of the written improvement notice),

or both.

(3) These matters are—

(a) the respect in which the performance or attendance of the officer concerned is considered unsatisfactory;

(b) the improvement that is required in performance or attendance;

(c) the length of the period specified by the line manager in accordance with regulation 17(6)(c).

(4) The only grounds of appeal under this regulation are—

(a) that the finding of unsatisfactory performance or attendance was unreasonable;

(b) that any of the relevant terms of the written improvement notice are unreasonable;

(c) that there is evidence that could not reasonably have been considered at the first stage meeting which could have materially affected the finding of unsatisfactory performance or attendance or any of the relevant terms of the written improvement notice;

(d) that there was a breach of the procedures set out in these Regulations or other unfairness which could have materially affected the finding of unsatisfactory performance or attendance or any of the relevant terms of the written improvement notice.

(5) The officer concerned may commence an appeal by giving a written notice of appeal to the second line manager before the end of 7 working days beginning with the first working day after receipt of the documents referred to in regulation 18(5).

(6) The notice must–

(a) set out the grounds of appeal, and

(b) be accompanied by any evidence on which the officer relies.

(7) The second line manager may, on the application of the officer concerned, extend the period specified in paragraph (5) if satisfied that it is appropriate to do so.

(8) Subject to paragraph (9), the meeting at which the appeal is to be heard (referred to in these Regulations as the first stage appeal meeting) must take place before the end of 7 working days beginning with the first working day after the day on which the second line manager receives the notice under paragraph (5).

(9) A first stage appeal meeting may take place after the period of 7 working days referred to in paragraph (8) if the second line manager considers it necessary or expedient, in which case the second line manager must give the officer a written notice of the reasons.