August 1999 Volume 80 Number 8 "serving the protectors"
Straight to the Point
By Trevor Haskell  - PASA Executive Committee Member

Towards a Learning Organization

The announcement of the move toward a learning organization in the Police Gazette’s News in Focus seemed timely - I was reading an item on learning when it lobbed. The item was provided by social work student, Sarah, who was doing a work placement with Welfare.

The thing about the presence of students is they make you think. As they learn they drag me out of my inertia and make me read, and I learn with them. The author and source of Sarah’s item on learning is not cited, so at the risk of breaching copyright I provide it as a springboard towards a learning organization.

Things we can learn from our dogs:

• Never pass up an opportunity to go for a joyride.
• Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be pure ecstasy.
• When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
• When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience.
• Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory.
• Take naps and stretch before rising.
• Run, romp and play daily.
• Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
• Be loyal.
• Never pretend to be something you’re not.
• If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
• When someone is having a bad day be silent, sit close by and nuzzle them gently.
• Thrive on attention and let people touch you.
• Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
• On hot days drink lots of water and sit under a shady tree.
• When you’re happy dance around and wag your entire body.
• No matter how often you’re scolded, don’t buy into the guilt thing and pout. Run right back and make friends.
• Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.

HRM

The role of human resource management is pivotal in all organizations that employ or work with people. It is no different in SAPOL. The importance of the role and the varied functions that come under the HR umbrella is evident by the passions that those functions can arouse from time to time. Transfers, payroll and selections are right up there at the top of the potential trouble tree.

I work more closely than most with those in SAPOL’s HRM branch. I’m most often reassured by the dedication and commitment of those who work there. Yes, I know there are grievances about procedure and training issues for panels and the like.

Despite that, I believe the individuals who make up the HRM branch do great work collectively and provide a great resource to the SAPOL membership. Even when they see the members of Welfare approach they don’t generally run, even though they know we’ll probably mean work for them in the shape of “a special issue we need to talk about”.

The move into the LSA structure had the potential to be a minefield, but in the end it was well orchestrated by HRM branch. Despite hiccups (usually around the paper flow) Payroll Section consistently provides a quality service and is forgiving of those who don’t get the paperwork quite right - or on time. The service provided by Brian Shrubshall and Krystyna Ucinek for the Leave Bank and Sick and Accident funds is efficient and caring.

The weekly service - which provides options for members in need - is, I suspect, unsurpassed in industry. Allowing for individual quirks in an industry built upon people can, and does, assist many to have workplace flexibility. HRMB workers don’t have magic wands, but do pull off the odd bit of magic from time to time. By their individual efforts, the members of HRM branch certainly help make the system work.

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