IOPC staff vote to pause industrial action after improved offer

Over 400 members at the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) have been taking action short of a strike since 1 April after management announced the imposition of a change to existing hybrid working arrangements. The IOPC has also seen restructuring which involves job losses.

Working from home became the norm within the IOPC during the Covid pandemic and following that a hybrid working policy was introduced, on the basis that it was subject to review. The review did not take place, but management decided to mandate 20% office attendance from September 2024, with the expectation that it would increase to 40% from April 2025.

Talks with management have taken place, some involving ACAS, and the industrial action taken by PCS members, including a work to rule, has put pressure on management to improve its offer.

Management’s latest offer still includes a mandatory office attendance of 40% but with scope for greater flexibility at managers’ discretion, and with a guarantee that the 40% will not go up to 60% for the next two years. There will also be added considerations made for travel time, people who joined or moved house during the period when working from home was 100% and more flexibilities for disabled staff, including a new disability policy.

The employer has also committed to no compulsory redundancies in the 2025/2026 financial year, although they will continue to offer voluntary exits as part of any necessary restructuring.

Members have voted to accept the latest offer from management and pause their current action short of strike. In return, they expect management to follow through on all agreed commitments.

Industrial officer Claire Keenan said: “This has been a hard-fought campaign within IOPC branch, with members consistently backing their negotiators to press management to meet their demands.

“Our members in IOPC have demonstrated the real power of trade unionism. A trade union isn’t just there to support individuals facing issues like disciplinary action, attendance and performance concerns – it’s about what we can achieve collectively when we stand together, act together, and show true solidarity.”