What is a shift pattern?
In UK policing, a shift pattern is the formal roster that dictates an officer's start times, end times, and rest days over a defined period. These patterns are designed to provide 24/7 coverage while adhering to Police Regulations regarding rest and fatigue.
Most officers work a "Variable Shift Arrangement" (VSA), which might involve a cycle of early, late, and night shifts. Your pattern is not just a schedule; it is an agreed framework that allows you to manage your life outside of work.
Management powers vs protections
The Chief Constable has the authority to manage the force and deploy resources as they see fit. This includes the power to change shift patterns. However, this power is balanced by specific protections in Regulation 22 (Annex E).
Management cannot change a pattern arbitrarily. Any change must be driven by an operational requirement and must follow a period of consultation if it involves a wide-scale change to a department or division's working hours.
Reasonable notice explained
Police Regulations state that rosters should be published at least one month in advance. If a force wishes to change a published roster, they are expected to give as much notice as possible.
What is "reasonable" can vary. A change to a single shift might only require a few hours' notice in an emergency (see our shift change guide), but a permanent change to a whole pattern usually requires significant lead time and consultation—often three months is cited as best practice.
Temporary vs permanent changes
It is important to distinguish between a temporary "abstraction" and a permanent change of pattern.
- Temporary: Being moved to a different team for two weeks to cover a resource gap. This is usually managed via shift changes and overtime.
- Permanent: Your entire team moving from an 8-hour roster to a 10-hour cycle. This is a fundamental change to your terms of engagement and triggers more rigorous consultation requirements.
Welfare and fairness
Any change to a shift pattern must consider the Health and Safety of the officers. Fatigue is a major risk in policing, and patterns that do not allow for sufficient restorative sleep can be legally challenged.
Forces must also consider individual circumstances under the Equality Act 2010, particularly if a change to a pattern would disproportionately affect officers with childcare responsibilities or certain medical conditions.
What if changes are frequent?
If your pattern is being changed on a weekly or bi-weekly basis, it ceases to be a functional "pattern." Frequent disruption is a sign of poor resource management and can lead to burnout.
In these cases, officers should keep a detailed log of every change and its impact. This evidence is vital for the Police Federation to raise a formal grievance or "Failure to Agree" notice with the force hierarchy.
Common Scenarios
Nights to Days
A team is moved from a night-duty block to day-duty with only 48 hours' notice due to a training requirement. This is disruption, but usually lawful provided rest periods are maintained.
Sudden Rota Change
The force decides to change the start time of every shift in your unit by 2 hours permanently, effective next week. This is likely a breach of the required notice and consultation period.
Long-term Abstraction
You are moved to a task force for 6 months. Your "home" team's pattern no longer applies. You should be given a new formal roster for this period.
Practical steps to challenge
- Review your force's VSA Agreement: Every force has a specific agreement that details shift pattern rules. Read it.
- Document the impact: Specifically, how much sleep did you lose? Did you incur childcare costs? Did you miss medical appointments?
- Initiate an informal discussion: Speak with your line manager first. They may not be aware of the degree of disruption.
- Contact the Federation: If the change feels systemic and unfair, your local Federation rep is the only one who can formally challenge the force.
Common Questions
Detailed answers regarding shift patterns and your protections.
Can my shift pattern be changed without notice?
In an immediate operational emergency, yes. However, permanent changes to a pattern require significant notice and consultation, usually at least 30 days.
Do I have to agree?
You do not have a personal "veto" over a shift pattern change, but you have the right to be consulted through the Police Federation.
Can they change shifts repeatedly?
Legally, they can make many changes, but there is a cumulative limit where it becomes a welfare risk. Constant disruption is often grounds for a formal grievance.
Does this affect childcare or welfare?
Yes. The force has a legal duty to consider the impact of shift changes on those with protected characteristics or caring responsibilities.
Are probationers treated differently?
While probationers have fewer employment protections in some areas, the basic Police Regulations regarding shift rosters and notice apply to all ranks and lengths of service.