City of London Police Officers encouraged to complete Pay and Morale Survey

6 November 2023

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) is lobbying the Government for a truly independent and impartial pay mechanism for police officers and remuneration which factors in the dangers officers face 24/7, and it is vital that members add their voice to the national campaign.

Going live today, Monday [6 November], the Pay and Morale Survey 2023 is about more than just collecting insights on officers’ pay and working conditions as its findings will serve as a crucial pillar in supporting and taking forward the PFEW’s ongoing national pay campaign.

Mike Reed, Chair of the City of London Police Federation, said: “Everyone hates a survey! Why is it important to complete the Feds pay and morale one?

“This year again the PFEW national survey has been launched and as a local branch we urge you, our members to complete it again.

“This survey builds up and evidence the financial difficulties and feelings of members nationally but also is split down to local forces to reflect the concerns that are there too.

“Although I think it would be a stretch for PFEW to claim it was the sole influencer in last year’s largest pay rise in many years, it would have made a difference in influencing that decision and also was used by others (NPCC & Supt Association) to justify that percentage ask with Government.

“Locally it gives your Fed the information and evidence to negotiate on your behalf around issues.

A great example of were taking time to complete the survey is If you look at the cost-of-living crisis and ‘planned’ exits from the force results. These had a direct influence on the decisions around maintaining the ATOC scheme at a competitive level. Clear reason to complete the survey.

“London Allowance is another example of where the survey steered your Fed’s approach to targeting an increase by pressure on the chief officers and media drives on socials and radio. Although the decision was made initially by the Met to increase, following that by CoLP was not a given.

“The COT where fully aware of the pressures, in part by the constant messages in the survey results and had to find the money within its own budgets to match this. Without the survey results it would be easy to dismiss your Fed’s engagement as ‘Crying Wolf’. The survey gives us the evidence and your feelings to engage and negotiate what is important to you and your families.

“Please make the time to complete what is an important survey for policing both nationally and locally.”

The annual survey also offers a unique opportunity to gain accurate and timely insights into the current state of police officers’ morale and wellbeing.

These insights play a pivotal role in helping us shape policies that are geared towards supporting our members.

It is a comprehensive effort to provide evidence not only to the Government and key stakeholders, but also inform the public with a thorough understanding of the challenges police officers face in their daily duties.

It also ensures we capture the views of new recruits to the police service, allowing us to inform the Government, key stakeholders and the public of their needs and the challenges they face in their early years too.

National Chair Steve Hartshorn emphasised the critical nature of this endeavour and said: “PFEW intends to conduct a membership ballot concerning the pursuit of industrial rights as soon as is practicable, as we recognise that the current system is unfair and inadequate in upholding police officers’ rights.

“However, our annual survey’s outcomes will provide us with even more ammunition and compelling evidence, helping us present to the Government a unified perspective of our members.”