Coming together is a beginning: keeping together is progress; working together is success
― Henry Ford
As 2017 draws to a close we at IODPA have been reflecting on events over the last year.
Before we summarise what has been a most busy, productive and successful year for all involved with IODPA, we pause to salute all IOD pensioners who have joined IODPA. Some have bravely fought individual battles with wayward HR departments and Chief Constables.
For Many of you 2017 has been intensely stressful. We pledge to work tirelessly to help ensure all IOD pensioners are not Scrooged by their respective police pension authorities.
We also offer our best wishes and seasonal greetings to all in HR departments across this fair land who have continued to actively oppose the scope and purposes of the Police (Injury Benefit) Regulations 2006.
We anticipate that 2018 will be the year when you all come to your senses, recover your moral core and pledge to act not only lawfully but with care and compassion for disabled former officers. IODPA to you is the ghost of Christmas past, present and future. Watch and learn. Absorb and change.
2017 saw IODPA and individuals achieve many successes in various areas in the arena of police injury pension maladministration: a significant judicial review won; one force abruptly stopped their mass review programme whilst another one started them up; IODPA became an official charity and continues to grow at a rate of knots; our membership base grew rapidly; we arrived firmly on the radar of all forces, and we know that our blogs are read and circulated widely.
Let’s look at the year now closing and review all it has produced for us.
2017 began extremely well with the first judicial review (JR) of the year. In FEBRUARY, former Police Constable Stanley Fisher took his former force, Northumbria, to Leeds Admin Court, and won the two main points his legal team, Ron Thompson of Haven Solicitors and David Lock QC, put forward.
Mr Fisher’s successful JR addressed highly important issues with universal application and has huge implications for all Injured on Duty Pensioners.
We admire Mr Fisher’s strength in continuing his fight with his former force. The so-called regulation 37 review of his degree of disablement by Northumbria was one of the longest ‘reviews’ to have been conducted, stretching eleven years in total.
APRIL saw Staffordshire drop a bombshell announcement on their pensioners that they were rolling out a mass review programme.
This had the effect of IODPA increasing membership numbers hugely as Staffordshire pensioners, concerned at what lay ahead of them, joined in their droves.
In JUNE, the next big news to hit us was the unexpected announcement by Avon and Somerset Constabulary that they were stopping their review programme. They had spent the previous three years unlawfully reviewing a cynically selected handful of pensioners, who are predominantly all band fours and under the age of fifty. (No prizes for working out why this particular group of people were picked on.)
The news from A&S was welcomed by all their pensioners. However, there was a lot of disgust at how some pensioners who had been in the review process for over three years have never received any any apology for the distress the force had caused.
In JULY, Ron Thompson gave a press release which revealed how Merseyside Constabulary had agreed to a Consent Order regarding the issue pensioners receiving demands to provide full lifetime medical notes to the police pension authority and SMP, and the issuing of intrusive and threatening questionnaires.
A pensioner had had his IOD pension taken away from him as what appeared to be an extra-regulatory punishment for not providing the said documents.
Mr Thompson’s services was engaged and very soon after, Merseyside signed the order and the pensioner’s money was reimbursed and payment of his pension recommenced.
The summer saw IODPA launch their first Crowdfunding campaign. With the generosity of the public, we raised over £4,200. The funds have already helped to support a number of pensioners, who have expressed their grateful thanks.
In SEPTEMBER, IODPA became a registered charity. This was the highlight of our year. It marks years of dedication to supporting Injured pensioners and serving officers and it was wonderful to be acknowledged as a charity.
Also in SEPTEMBER, the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) gave advice to an IODPA member regarding his former force retaining full medical notes ‘just in case’ they might be needed The ICO advised that this was excessive retention of sensitive personal data and Avon and Somerset Constabulary was asked to return all medical notes back to the pensioner.
This was an instance of the ICO looking at the full facts and giving reasonable and advice, which should in theory apply to all forces. The ICO’s advice gave hope to a number of former officers that they could also ask for their personal and sensitive data to be returned to them. Sadly, many pensioners are still in dispute with their former forces over this issue.
NOVEMBER saw IODPA’s first collaboration with another charity, Upledger. Five IODPA members who suffer with PTSD went on an intensive five day therapy course which has helped them to develop ways of living with their mental injury. All who attended report that the course was extremely beneficial and has helped them immensely moving forward.
IODPA was able to financially help the members to attend the course of which we are very proud of.
NOVEMBER also saw eminent QC Mr David Lock, write two very relevant comment pieces on his Linkedin page, in relation to IOD reviews and the processes surrounding them.
Perhaps not so surprisingly, they were read by thousands of people, showing that this issue concerns a vast number of the public.
In DECEMBER, Northumbrian Federation Rep, Inspector Adrian Smiles, released ICO advice, again, regarding the subject of medical notes. This time, it was about Northumbria (and other forces) demanding pensioners full medical notes on review. Once again, the ICO stated that this was excessive and that Northumbria were potentially breaching the Data Protection Act.
Also in DECEMBER, we were able to break the news that Dr Vivian, the chosen SMP for Staffordshire, had abruptly withdrew from conducting reviews, citing that doing them was proving too stressful and burdensome. This was indeed hot news, particularly as Dr Vivian notified IODPA direct to inform us.
Leading on from Dr Vivian’s abrupt departure, just before Christmas, Chief Constable Gareth Morgan of Staffordshire Police, released an open letter astoundingly stating that he believe reviews were being conducted lawfully. He went on to claim, with no evidence or explanation that there was a campaign by a small number of individuals which was trying to ‘besmirch’ the reputation of Staffordshire Police.
His letter was felt to be intimidating and threatening by many and stands as a remarkable insight into the peculiar defensive and negative mindset of this individual. It brought the year to a close and stiffened our resolve to stand up for the rights of IOD pensioners and to deflate the enormous egos of all bullies who think they are above the law.
We in IODPA look forward to what 2018 might bring. We are confident that it will be twelve months of continuing success and growth.
I became aware of IodPA only yesterday after a retired colleague posted on FB. Last night was tough reading your website & the experiences of retired colleagues, plus reliving what I went through a few years ago at the hands of my force, Dr Cheng, Dr Pitkanen and PMAB. This morning I feel hope for a time when the lid will be lifted on the corrupt practices used by forces to sideline injured officers and their legitimate rights. Thank you IodPA. Today brings with it a new dawn.
Welcome..I presume you must be a Met officer if you have been a victim of Cheng and Pitkanen? These two arent doctors, they long ago left behind any semblance of care and compassion in their practice or concern for their patients, they are morally repugnant human beings who are purely financially motivated for themselves and for the organisations they serve.
Cheng has an horrific loss rate at PMAB because he simply makes things up and even though he has no background in psychiatry he laughably tries to provide diagnosis and opinion as to officers with complex and chronic mental health illnesses. Successive PMAB panels now destroy this charlatan.
Pitkanen hasnt yet strayed into SMP territory but when she does shes not going to like the mauling she will be given by any number of the excellent laywers who now represent officers such as Mark Lake.
These lawyers have been absolutely vital in destroying the lies and dishonesty of some of the SMP Doctors and more and more of them are now being exposed as the frauds that they are.
There now has come a time where I believe that criminal investigations should be initiated against some of the doctors for fraud by false representation, namely they are distorting and misrepresenting medical evidence to gain financial benefit for themselves and others. Remember under Home Office crime recording rules the Police HAVE to record your allegation of crime so ensure you do this. Also make sure you report these doctors to the GMC ( General Medical Council ) and describe how they have caused you physical and mental harm if appropriate.
What kind of society have we become when this evil is perpetrated against such ill, disabled and vulnerable human beings?
The way forward is to await the outcome of the Judicial Review of Dr Vivian to get a judge’s view on his actions. Should he be found to have acted unlawfully then we should examine the behaviour of other members of SP to see if there is evidence to bring them to book. That is unless Vivian decides that he doesn’t want to be the only one with his head on the chopping block when he’s sitting in front of a judge with a QC firing questions at him.
Furthermore Morgan in his open letter states;
‘I also have a duty of care to my staff which is why I am writing this letter to iterate that I will not tolerate the treatment they have recently received. Does that mean that Vivian is a member of his staff and therefore subject to his instructions?
He also mentions a small number of individuals in the letter, we are no longer individuals and he would do well to read the story of David and Goliath, big is not always best.
Well I am now into my 5th year still fighting a review, 9 months after an smp report stated none of the 23 iod’s I suffered bore any relevance to my disability bit. The Hodgkin’s cancer I had 3 years after retirement was a major cause. This report breached a high court order obtained by my ex force, as all they were allowed to do was look at my level of disability. The force admitted they had unlawfully breached the order and could i see the same smp so he could redo his report well you can guess my answer. I gave them the name of an smp I would see, but they declined that as that smp is sympathetic to iod officers instead. I was offered a Dr under active investigation by BMC for his treatment of iod again guess my answer! So it looks like I will be at PMAB with the force having no report as to what they did, broke the law and used medical records that they were not entitled to use. After that it will be my turn and unfortunately I am like a rottweiler with a bone. I don’t give in, its another prime example of idiotic bureaucrats who think the law doesn’t apply to them well wake up smell the coffee there’s a storm coming and you reap what you sow.
You’ve had a good year IODPA. Mr Fisher’s case filled me with horror. How the hell can that ever be right, that one person had to endure a review for eleven years? We are lucky you exist, how many of us would have been screwed over if we had done what was advised to us initially? I for one would have never known that we didn’t have to hand over our full medical notes or fill in that awful and intrusive questionnaire. Thanks to your advice, I will never do either. Funny how one Chief Constable insists that everything is lawful and then writes there are three appeals. Doesn’t that kind of contradict itself? Your blogs are always based on fact which I appreciate. I’m glad you have our backs. Wishing you all the best for a good 2018.
MORGANS LETTER is a clear victimisation of every Staffs IOD. The Equality Act 2010 describes clearly how the discrimination Morgan eludes to against IOD’s is a breach of the Act, the Employment Tribunal process where a post employment Master Servant relationship is maintained by the use of the Police Pension Regulations requires compliance with The Equality Act. It is a discrimination where a person with a disability & part of a Unique Minority Group is treated differently, thus the non reviews of Band 1 & over 72 provides a proven breach of the Equality Act as well as the Human Rights Act. Why is there no prosecution? Simple, we cant afford to take each case to an ET or JR & Morgan knows this. Staffs NARPO are nowhere to be seen & when they do offer advice it’s to tell it’s members to release their medical records & complete the forces questionnaire. (This may render them liable to legal action, we live in hope) Staffs Federation have agreed to assist with the JR’s for pension issues but cannot assist where the issue is not pension related. There may be an argument that breaches of the Equality Act are pension issues but we need a proven detriment!? Many Staffs IOD’s wrote to the Equality Advisory Support Service & made complaints. It is time to write again & send them Morgan’s Letter. Happy New Year to the IODPA Team & All IOD’s. To those forces willing to administer the IOD pension in an unlawful & victimising manner, may this year be the year you have to pay for your sins.
Well it all just goes to show how effective IODPA has been and what it has achieved since it’s Inception, and a testament to it’s trustees and their tireless work. Absolutely outstanding !!
Happy New Year to all the IODPA trustees and the amazing legal team who work so tirelessly for the benefit of all those seriously injured police officers who are now being subjected to unlawful reviews of their pension, often compounded with illegal demands for irrelevant information all served up in a threatening manner. Huge demands are placed on our brave police officers every day and even the very small minority who are divergent towards police officers will still be only too happy to call upon them in their hour of need. It is therefore almost unbelievable to see how on the one hand our officers are commended for their bravery and devotion to duty, but when seriously harmed they are dismissed and discarded like a used plaster, no longer required and of no further use. However they now have a wonderful charity to fight for their rights, to support them against the heartless bullying and oppressive behaviour conducted by a few forces. A charity who will also name and shame those responsible for their unlawful actions. This is thanks to everyone behind the ever growing and hugely influential IODPA charity. Soon these former officers will all be treated fairly again, it is what most decent people expect from a fair system, it is why we have laws and regulations, Justice must be seen to be done, and it will.
Some battles won and congratulations on that, some even bigger ones to fight.
Many of us have got through the system but spare a thought for the poor soles who are refused a medical pension and have to resign or worse still are disciplined because they simply can’t cope any more.
It seems every one with a permanent mental health condition such as PTSD has little or no chance of getting through the process now and even if they do it’s Band one. SMPs and forces see officers with mental health issues as easy targets for them to exploit and PMABs are happy to support them in the name of protecting the public purse, such a noble cause! Often the treatment by forces makes officers even worse, rhetorical but shouldn’t they have a duty of care.
At the moment IODPA is a stand alone voice supporting injured officers subject to wrongdoing, small battles have been won, but this is a war. The whole system needs to be challenged right from the rotten top to the bottom or it’ll just keep happening time and time again. Chief Constables and HR managers are not held to account, they hide behind the home office and force solicitors. If a few more of these individuals ended up in the high court things maybe different.
How independent is a PMAB with no right of challenge, not answerable to anyone, in most instances they back the forces and SMP’s?
When will an SMP be sued for slander, libel and the damage they cause, I have a good candidate for the first one by the way? Why has no SMP or HR manager been investigated for Fraud, it fits the definition?
We have a great deal of support from those who really know, but it’s about time someone with some real standing was brought on board. It’s about time we asked some high profile figures to be patrons of this charity. Most of us will be aware of the battles Prince William and Harry fought after the untimely death of their mother, they fully support mental health charities so why not IODPA. In fact many stars support mental health charities and I’m sure they’d be appalled if they knew how forces were treating injured officers.
Let’s not forget the Regulations are there for a reason, it’s not our fault they were written or that we got injured. Why then do forces think it’s quite acceptable to break the rules in the name of saving money or as they say, protecting the public purse.
Let’s hope this year is a productive one for IODPA and we move forwards with some clear objectives?
Dear IODPA, to each and every one of you, all connected to you, thank you SO SO much.
You show all the characteristics that I expected from the Police once I left, kindness, compassion, empathy, knowledge, loyalty, support, and back then, that was once the case, but, somewhere along the line something went drastically wrong, thank you for going a long way to putting it right, I no longer dread the thought of being reviewed (unlawfully).
I must give the biggest pat on the back to all @ IODPA & associates for the exemplary work that has been done in the past year. Right from a caring shoulder right through to our excellent legal team.
I have only one problem & it really bugs me. It quite simply that all these HR depts & Cc’s just simply seem to be able to do want they want when they want without any fear of punishment. Their very purpose is to uphold the law but blatantly break it at every turn.
I know if it was possible IODPA would push for punishment at every turn.
Winge over.
Happy New Year to Everyone in 2018 I know we will keep winning the battles if not the war.
IODPA ‘Because Nobody is Above the Law’
Reading this rundown of 2017 reminds us all just how far we have come, IODPA are the shining stars who light our darkened sky and guide us through, their knowledge,help and support is invaluable, whilst the people we once thought were beyond reproach now stab us in the back, and kick us on the gutter without a care, we stand united ,the IODPA family,strong in the knowledge that we are all together through good and hard times and those that bully us,lie to us will not win with their underhand tactics….
To all the Trustees of IODPA, a big ‘Thank you’ for all the achievements of 2017.
Through your efforts over the past few years, I and many others have gained a much greater knowledge and understanding of the Regs and relevant case law.
Chief Officers who may once have seen us as an easy target must now realise that we are a strong and united force who will vigorously oppose ANY actions which are against the spirit or letter of the regs and the law.
We do not threaten or intimidate anyone, but whoever thinks they can threaten or intimidate any of our members must now expect to be challenged through the legal system.
To all Chief Officers who may now be feeling a little uncomfortable about our collective response, all I can say is “You started it”
Happy 2018
It is scandalous that so many judicial reviews have been required to show that numerous police services have misinterpreted the law to the detriment of police officers injured on duty.
2017 has seen more steps forward to get true interpretation of the law as clearly explained by judges and an eminent barrister into the public domain, where selected medical practitioners, police HR personnel and chief police officers can learn the truth.
It is hardly surprising that a chief constable has written such a harsh letter in an attempt to stop retired officers trying to get what they are legally entitled to. I guess as the sustained maladministration of the regulations in light of clear guidance from the courts, will undoubtedly bring police services into disrepute. As Regulation K5 of the Police Pension Regulations allows forfeiture in the event of you being convicted of Treason or for an offence which involved the abuse of your position as a police officer or bringing the Service into disrepute, those involved in deliberate unlawful administration of the pension regulations should fear for their jobs and pensions.
A brave chief constable would see that it is time to proactively right the wrongs which have been done over many years. A foolish chief constable will either turn a blind eye to the wrongs which have been done, or even worse continue to breach the regulations and data protection act contrary to legal guidance.
To all involved in trying to uphold the law as passed by Government I wish a very peaceful and happy New Year. To those who seem to be twisting the law to save money I wish the same, but look forward to the day when injured officers are provided with the retirement compensation which parliament put into law, without fear that their former employers will not try to take it from them.
Well done IODPA. 2017 has been a successful year for IODPA, and this is attributed to the dedication, moral courage and compassion from the hard working trustees and members. You are a tribute to our society! Especially those individuals and their families who have been victims of such unlawful activities . An organisation with intelligence and intellect, sadly not matched by the Police Farces!
A final thought…….Those of you who have experienced the unlawful actions of the ‘establishment’ and their administrative clerks must laugh at the Queens Honours List…
Lost Soul……………….it was Edmund Burke 1729-1797.
Truer words were never spoke.
A deserved well done to all the Trustees of IODPA. You all work tirelessly for all the Injured on Duty Officers who cannot for whatever reason get the help and advice they need when having to justify keeping their Injury Pensions. I fully understand that if an Officers injury has significantly improved they should be reviewed and an adjustment made to their pension. But what we have seen throughout the country are Police Pension Authorities and Chief Constables reviewing Officers just to save money. It has been highlighted by IODPA that certain selected medical practitioners working for these Authorities are paid vast sums of money to review and reduce pensions sometimes for the flimsiest of reasons. Injured On Duty Pensioners have then had no alternative but the legally challenge these decisions and have them overturned. What I can’t fathom is that these reviews continue without the Pension Authorities or Chief Constables being rebuked by the Home Office or by individual Members of Parliament for the areas they serve. Or am I just being naive?…… Anyway its seems like there is one rule for some and a number of rules being bent by others! Any officers who puts themselves in the firing line to protect the public then gets hurt deserve to be treated better than this, no?
Injured and ill but still standing together bravely to look after each other when the desk jockeys come circling.
IODPA is an astonishing organisation. Those who have been subjected to deep concern and anxiety as a result of experience with their own forces have not sat back and said “I’m alright now”. They’ve gone out to seek and support others facing similar situations and in doing so they have empowered and emboldened others to know the truth.
The Trustees are exceptional human beings, generous, open, willing, capable and genuine caring people. What IODPA has achieved in a year proves that it is possible to move mountains. Thank you.
I still cannot understand why the police will not accept an up to date letter from the pensioners own consultant or GP. They have nothing to hide and will tell the truth, why not save money and ask for pensioners own consultants and GP for a letter, or report ? Instead of paying 3 people for a PMAB, the police contact (PPA) and the SMP (who earns £1600 just for turning up) ?
It is a total waste of the tax payers money. I, as I am sure every IOD pensioner would welcome, a review by someone who knows my history, has had dealings with me from the start, knows everything about my injury and the day to day issues I have. Instead of spending around £10,000 for a PMAB review with people who have never seen my notes, knows my condition 100% and has the SMP at the same meeting who lied on his original report sitting there earning money and saying nothing, as he knows he has told lies and is now unable to back them up. The SMP is not a specialist in my condition, how could he possible know everything about it ?
IODPA, thank you for keeping us IOD Ex officers up to date with everything and the help, as a CHARITY you offer.
IODPA I wish to thank you for all your continued support, it is outstanding what hope and results this Charity achieves. The unprecedented knowledge, support, empathy and morals far exceed the ones I ever experienced in my Police Force. Sadly I am sure I speak for many others on here re that matter.
I have no doubt that in 2018 IODPA will continue to stamp out the bullies in these Forces, who strive to prey on the vulnerable whilst carrying out their unlawful (make it up as we go along) antics.
I wish IODPA all the best in 2018 and endeavour to help these nonchalant so-called leaders realise, that you cannot run a Police Force like a business. It is not a business, victims are not customers. You are acting like accountants with warrant cards.
All the very best IODPA and thank you.
What a year this has been for any and all IOD pensioners thanks to the time and efforts the Trustees of IODPA and all the members have devoted to trying to stop the unlawful practices of certain police forces in reducing IOD pensions in any way they think they can get away with.
Thanks to IODPA each and every member is becoming aware of the rules and regulations and becoming ‘expert’ in them enough to be able to advise any retired or due to be retired IOD officers. The word is spreading rapidly and that is the worst enemy these police forces could have because they have been getting away so many years with unlawful and, imho, criminal actions.
The most recent discovery has been how many Band 1 IOD pensioners get inlcuded with these bulk reviews! NONE!
My advice to anyone reading this is to spread the word about what is being asked of them for a review by their force, and what \SHOULD be being considered before any review is started. ALL Band 1’s should play the forces at their own game! Demand a review! |IT would be in the hundreds! Let alone how many 32/2’s would be requested now that every member knows the rules and regulations involved and how they have been muddled by the forces involved. Eventually the villains will fall! They will get trapped in their own net!
IODPA is here for you! IODPA will advise you how to get each step of the way. IODPA is a gathering of a TRUE Police family! Each and every member is committed to helping were they can! BRAVO IODPA!
I completely agree with the above we should put in complaints to the GMC and IPCO re these people ” For Evil to thrive it only takes good men to do nothing ” sorry can`t think of who said that
That was the year that was, and what a year for the rights of the oppressed. We ask for nothing more than our lawful rights and fairness by the organisation that was once considered an ‘extended family’, “back in the day”.
Thankfully with the combined efforts of all IODPA members and trustees, the attempt to claw back our lawful awards as described as contributing nothing to the community has been slowed.
David Swift, Deputy Chief Constable of Staffs. demoralised police force has been awarded the QPM in the Queen’s New Year’s Honours List. Well done! The Chief has been passed over. What a pity!! I would have orferef him the Order of the Boot!
IODPA are going from strength to strength! No doubt many more associated with breaking the law will be brought to justice! Perhaps in 2018 we could see the first punishments brought to HR staff, Police lackeys and all associated – think twice about what you do to injured Police Officers this year, IODPA will be watching…
The IODPA is a wonderful charity that advises injured on duty police pensioners on their legal rights under the Police Injury Benefit regulations. This advice comes via a very eminent QC. He has studied these regulations for years and won many Judicial reviews on this subject against various Chief Constables and Police Authorities who are also surprisingly the Police Pension Authorities!
As an injured police officer I rely on my pension now I am completely unable to work since a serious injury. My injuries and their effects are very well documented by various hospital Consultant specialists.
I have been reviewed four times with the last review by the Police’s own Doctor recommending that I should never be reviewed again as my condition will only worsen.
The police authority inform me that I can be reviewed whenever they see fit! So, do they intend reviewing me until I die? Is that logical? It’s surely not humane.
And to think, I stood up and willingly risked my life to save a member of the public. The Police Authority couldn’t care less!
SlowHand. Your feelings are also my feelings as, I too,was seriously injured on duty. I wish you all the very best in the years ahead. Thank God for IODPA. They are our saviours.
Dear IODPA you are Giants amongst men. The way that you remain consistently calm and collective in the face of adversity and constant challenges just makes us members stronger and more determined.
We have challenged and won cases because we know what the regulations say and all we want is for forces to adhere to them.
If anyone who is involved in reviewing reads this blog then make a note of this, the guidance that NWEF formerly NAMF is teaching you is not worth the paper that it is written on. What matters are the regulations and current caselaw if you stick to them you can’t go wrong and that is what this group want you to do.
For the likes of Morgan you can only feel sorry for it is him that will have to justify the costs of appeals and PMAB and if Staffs magic calculator gets challenged Morgan may very well lose his sizeable shirt and he will only have himself to blame.
I am proud yo be a member of the IODPA because they are the real police family and they really care. Thanks to the Trustees and especially thanks to those that started this group over 3 years ago.
It’s not until I saw this recap of the year that I realised how much IODPA and it’s members have achieved. It’s phenomenal how this charity has grown and the support it’s giving to people such as myself.
I would have been seen as easy prey to my force. Poorly with PTSD and no will or spirit to fight. Now that I’ve joined IODPA, see how others challenge the system and not prepared to accept anything that these Human Remains depts spew at us, I have found the confidence to stand up for myself.
IODPA have truly been a lifesaver to so many people.
I know of two Legal Firms who specialize in police IOD and ET. Most people know them on the forum, and they are both on the list the Federation will fund.
Any IOD should get the Federation to fund any appeal they have over banding or reviews. The person I used was brilliant at my appeal and EVERY Ex officer who goes before a PMAB who are advised by the police “Legal Rep is not required, it’s more like an informal chat about your injuries” bells should ring straight away, get LEGAL ADVICE NOW ! It is so important as the PPA are having IOD officers money taken away, or giving incorrect advice. With the help of IODPA I managed to get hold of the best solicitor in this field, and boy am I glad I did.
I was not able to come up with case law following a question from the board and would have found it very intimidating with the police having their rep there and the SMP who lied in his report of me also there.
Thanks to IODPA I got the help I sooooooo much required, and was pointed in the right direction. I cannot comment on what other forces Chief Officers say about reviews as I cannot understand the reason why they are doing it. Let’s just hope when they retire, on a very high pension, with no injuries (apart from blisters on their bum where they have been sitting so long) that if the every call the police for help they don’t get a 59 year old copper, with three years service in who’s boss is a 21 year old Super !!!!
To use the letters SMP, it might be a good idea if you actually know what they mean ! Look a bit daft if you post a letter online, as such a high ranking officer with so many staff and do not know !!!!! Maybe 21 year old Super’s are a good idea, not !
For you Mr Morgan, and others like you, it must be like banging your head against a wall………..it’s just nice when it stops.
Why do you think that Mr Wirtz, and Namf (or whatever they call themselves today) are correct in their interpretation of the regs. Just in case you didn’t know they have lost everything so far when it comes to court.
It seems that the IODPA together with their barrister David Lock QC, have a better handle on the regulations. just in case you didn’t know, they have won every case so far.
I think your worst nightmare is yet to come, the band ones who you won’t touch because there is nothing to be saved there will rise up like mayflies and challenge your ridiculous method and formulae which puts everyone in the band one status.
Then watch you budget slip through your fingers like dry sand.
None of us object to being reviewed……..bring it on !. All we expect is that it is done lawfully, not a steam roller job.
It’s called Karma, in case you were wondering.
IODPA I applaud you and all it’s members. The great work you do on behalf of IOD officers retired and serving is ground breaking. Thank you
Thank you so much to all the Trustees at IODPA for your help since I joined in July 2017. I have learnt so much from you, and I sincerely hope that the likes of Morgan & Baker read these blogs, and perhaps learn too.
We will not be beaten on these unlawful ‘mass’ reviews, and are not like a Christmas present puppy, that will roll over and give in…We are all in this until the end.
I wish everyone in IODPA a Happy New Year, and I will continue to support you.
Many thanks to the IODPA team for a huge amount of hard word and a great many achievements over the last twelve months. A lot of people do see the possibility of light at the end of this long tunnel as one argument after another is knocked down and the illegality of what certain forces are trying to do is exposed
The likes of Morgan and the abundance of ACPO clones who measure their success in financial terms ignoring real markers such as staff turnover, absenteeism, decreased commitment and performance should consider the narcissistic personality disorder description contained in the psychologists/psychiatrists Bible, the DSM-V as an assessment for their toxic management, which elucidates following traits:
• A grandiose sense of self-importance;
• A preoccupation with unlimited illusions of success, power and brilliance;
• Believes that he is “so special;”
• Requires excessive admiration;
• Has a sense of entitlement;
• Takes advantage of others to achieve his own ends;
• Lacks empathy for others;
• Is super-sensitive to criticism.
As “leaders” gain management skills in the real world, learn from real leaders and understand that even with these skills you require the respect from your workers this facet alone is one that will not be acquired by any form of ill thought out accelerated promotion scheme or similar without respect, your self serving ideas will remain disillusional, ill-conceived and will ultimately fail. The majority of today’s police “leaders” have not earned the respect of those they manage nor ever will and only remain in position because of the support of their fellow self serving scheme cohorts. Morgan et al the sword of Damocles is hanging over you. Wishing a happy new year to you all!
Many thanks IODPA you really are a boon to many.
Personally, because of what you do I’ve stopped worrying so much and don’t take my”Happy Pills” anymore. I just wanted you to know that.
Happy new year xx
Many, many thanks for your updates and the information they contain. It gives me great solace during these worrying times.
Before IODPA I was lost!
Since IODPA, I now know my true rights; I know now that there is disgraceful & unlawful activity by forces that are ‘Reviewing’; I now know that the bullying tactics are there because without them, these forces are at a loss how to acheive their unlawful aims.
I’ve received superb support, both legally and spiritually, through the comradeship that IODPA offer. I’ve learnt so much!
I’ve re-found my ‘police family’ and I’ve a role to play now & that is getting the IODPA message out to every IOD, not only in Staffs, but across the whole of the UK, so that the bullying by Staffs and other forces fails and IOD’s get their lawful pensions.
When Staffs CC Morgan writes ‘open’ letters, that do not allow responses; when Staffs DCC Baker tweets disparagingly, when any and every enquiry is met by the claim it’s ‘vexatious’, it tells me so much about the force I was once so loyal too.
2018 will be a big year for IOD’s and IODPA. I’m ready to do my bit, so once again thank you for being there for me.
Thank you all for doing what you are doing,thank you all for your strength of mind, thank you all for taking down the bullies and thank you all for letting I O D Officers cope with their injuries with the money they are entitled too. Thank you .
Happy New Year.
Ex-PC 1461 LEICESTERSHIRE.
Well done IODPA and all its members. A very successful year and hopefully many more to come. It is fantastic to know that there is such great support and knowledge to help us all.Thank You.
It’s a fact that Staffs. Police are targeting pensioners to save money. After all, they wouldn’t be doing this to increase pensions would they?
I used to be a public administrator before I joined Staffs. Police and got paid very well from the public purse. However, there were more administrators who were less well paid doing similar jobs. So the thing is Police forces should get rid of all senior ranks ie Ch. Insp. to Supt. and replace them with Civilian Clerical staff on Local Govt. Clerical Grades. This would save a fortune particularly if the cull was drastic. Instead we pensioners are the target of a few Chief Constables and HR support staff seeking to deliver on Reg. 37(1) and thereby save a few quid.
Happy new year to all at IODPA and all members.
Well done IODPA. A very successful year and I think 2018 will be even more spectacular!
If only the relevant forces had acted legally,there would have been no need for you. However, a spin-off of IODPA is the close bond that has been formed with all injured ex-officers from all over the UK, which has given comfort that they are not alone. This is almost as important as the challenges against unscrupulous forces.
Happy New Year to all.
I don’t know how feasible, but I do think that if possible CC Morgan should be the subject of an official complaint over his open yet unchallengeable letter. I think at the very least it is insensitive and possibly slanderous, and he is way above his station in making these remarks on behalf of the force.
I do realise that this could look like we would be gunning for him, but I like all of us I suppose, do not feel it’s right nor fair to use his position to pen such vile accusations. Have a great new year and keep up your outstanding work at IODPA.