What is the purpose of TempForce?
TempForce is an internal register of workers who are available to provide quality cover for temporary or short-term placements within Hampshire Constabulary. These workers can be called upon to assist Hampshire Constabulary at times of high demand or extraordinary need. TempForce will also provide cover for periods of staff sickness, holidays, maternity leave or staff abstractions.
Work is on a casual basis and there is no obligation to accept any assignment offered to you. You are paid only for the hours worked, and as there is no obligation on the part of Hampshire Constabulary to offer you work the bank may not be suitable for you if you require a guaranteed income.
What sort of work might I be offered?
The type of work available will vary according to operational need. However, the majority of work is likely to be administration/secretarial. If you have specialist police skills then you may also be offered work where you can utilise these skills, but these assignments are not very frequent.
Where will I work?
Work will be available at a variety of locations across the force area according to where the need is. The exact location of any work will be confirmed at the time the work is offered. The majority of assignments are based in Southampton, Winchester PHQ and Fareham. Very few temporary workers are needed in the North of the county, such as Basingstoke, Aldershot etc.
What hours will I work?
Working hours will vary and may be part time or full time, or odd days during the week. Hours of work will be discussed with you when any offer of work is made. Sometimes there will be several days notice of an assignment starting, but on occasion the need will be urgent and there will be very little notice.
How do I apply?
You need to complete the application form that is available on the Hampshire Constabulary website at http://www.hampshire.police.uk/Internet/jobs/temps/apply.htm or you can contact us to request an application pack.
What happens after I apply?
If your application form meets the required standard you will be asked to attend an informal interview to discuss your skills and experience and establish the type of work that might be suitable for you. You will also be asked to undertake skills testing to assess your IT knowledge.
How soon can I start work?
Thorough vetting and reference checks must be undertaken before your registration on to the bank can be confirmed. We aim to complete these as quickly as possible but some of the checks are complex and can take time. It is unlikely that you will be ready to start work until at least 6-8 weeks after your interview.
I have no experience, can I apply?
Candidates will be selected for assignments on the basis of how well their skills and experience match the requirements of the role. Given the nature of most assignments candidates are likely to need transferable skills some experience of working in an office or administrative procedures.
Can I work for other agencies/organisations?
As stated above it is not guaranteed that you will be offered assignments through TempForce, so you are free to register with other agencies and undertake other work.
How much will I be paid?
The rate of pay you receive will be based on the role profile for the type of work you are being asked to do. The exact rate of pay will be confirmed prior to the commencement of any assignment you are offered. Typical rates of pay are:
Clerical Assistant - £8:17
Administrator - £8.77
When will I be paid?
You will be paid monthly in arrears by credit transfer on the fifteenth day of each month. If the fifteenth falls on a weekend or bank holiday you will be paid on the last weekday before the fifteenth. To be paid you must submit an authorised timesheet and provide details of a bank or building society account into which payment can be made.
Will I get paid holiday?
Yes, paid holiday entitlement will accrue at a rate of 0.0957 hours for each hour that you work. This is equivalent to 22 days paid holiday per annum. In addition you will receive paid statutory and bank holidays if qualifying conditions are met.
What happens if I am off sick?
If you are absent from work you must notify your supervisor at the earliest opportunity. You are not entitled to occupational sick pay. You may be entitled to statutory sick pay if you have earned in excess of the qualifying threshold through Hampshire Constabulary in the preceding two months, and have been absent from work for at least four days.
Can I join the pension scheme?
You are entitled to become a member of the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) when you have 3 months of continuous service. Details of the scheme and a pension option form can be sent to you when you have been in your assignment for three months. Please contact Tempforce for further information to be forwarded to you.
