Advancing UK Aerospace, Defence, Security & Space Solutions Worldwide
  • Home
  • /
  • Security
  • /
  • Civil Service increases leave for special constables

Security

Civil Service increases leave for special constables

Civil servants volunteering as special constables will get up to 12 days paid special leave a year to spend more time supporting their local police force, following an initiative from the Home Office.

Cabinet Office and HM Treasury are among the 19 departments increasing this dedicated leave allowance for staff.

The announcement comes as new central guidance is issued to support civil servants who want to become special constables. For the first time, the guide sets out in one place information on how to apply, who is eligible and the types of roles available as well as detailing what support the Civil Service offers Special Constables.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

It follows the Home Office increasing its special leave allowance for employees volunteering as special constables in November 2018, a move the Metropolitan Police has today acknowledged with a certificate recognising the department’s commitment to the Special Constabulary.

Supporting the volunteering initiative, Cabinet Secretary Sir Mark Sedwill said: "As public servants, those civil servants who volunteer are citizens who serve twice. We should all be proud of them.

"I hope that colleagues from across the Civil Service will follow the lead of those from the Home Office who’ve become special constables - warranted police officers who keep their fellow citizens safe - developing their own skills and leadership too."

Home Office Permanent Secretary, Sir Philip Rutnam said: "Special constables play a pivotal role in meeting some of our most important priorities – tackling knife crime, safeguarding the vulnerable and keeping the public safe.

"Civil servants who take this opportunity will gain professionally and get an insight into frontline policing, which will be valued across government.

"I am proud the Home Office is leading the way in supporting civil servants who wish to become special constables and make a difference in their communities."

Special constables wear the same uniform, have the same powers and, if permitted by their force, drive the same vehicles as their regular colleagues.

They bring diverse and valuable skills from outside policing, complementing the work of officers while helping to build important relationships with communities.

Peter Brown, civil servant at the Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency, said: "I’ve been a special constable for five years and yet everyday has been different - from working beats and leading teams to helping manage the deployment of officers.

Advertisement
Gulfstream RT

"So if you like a challenge and care about your community, don’t hesitate to give it a go.

"Having 19 departments offering this special leave policy to support the work of special constables is a big step forward."

Special constables receive no payment for performing these duties. They do, however, receive expenses and some forces may provide benefits, such as free local travel.

As at 31st March 2019, there were more than 10,000 special constables in the UK.

 


 

Met makes arrest milestone using LFR

Security

Met makes arrest milestone using LFR

10 July 2025

More than 1,000 wanted criminals have now been arrested by the Metropolitan Police Service using Live Facial Recognition (LFR), including paedophiles, rapists and violent robbers.

NCA arrest four for cyber attacks on M&S, Co-op and Harrods

Security

NCA arrest four for cyber attacks on M&S, Co-op and Harrods

10 July 2025

Four people have been arrested in the UK this morning as part of a National Crime Agency (NCA) investigation into cyber attacks targeting M&S, Co-op and Harrods.

Metis to supply Skyperion to NATO ally

Defence Security

Metis to supply Skyperion to NATO ally

10 July 2025

Metis has won a contract to supply a number of Skyperion drone detection systems to a NATO customer to provide the drone detect function as part of an integrated Counter Uncrewed Air Systems (C-UAS) capability.

Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

Aerospace Defence Security Space

Serco appoints Keith Williams as Chair

4 July 2025

Serco has appointed Keith Williams to the Board as a Non-Executive Director and Chair designate.

Advertisement
Teledyne
Boeing appoints Stephen Parker as CEO of BDS

Defence Security Space

Boeing appoints Stephen Parker as CEO of BDS

3 July 2025

Boeing has appointed Stephen (Steve) Parker as president and chief executive officer of its Defense, Space & Security (BDS) business, effective immediately.

Lancashire aims at advancing cyber-enabled defence and security

Defence Security Events

Lancashire aims at advancing cyber-enabled defence and security

3 July 2025

Over 200 senior business leaders, investors, policymakers and academics from across the UK gathered this week at the Lancashire Cyber Festival to discuss Lancashire’s opportunity to become a global leader in cyber-enabled defence and security.

Advertisement
ODU RT