There is nothing better than supporting your colleagues

21 September 2021

Well, what a busy few months it has been for the Police Federation. First, I’d like to start by welcoming our new Branch Council, following the workplace representative elections that took place over the summer. But I would also like to thank those officers who are no longer on the Branch Council. There is nothing better than supporting your colleagues but the Fed rep role can be as challenging as it is rewarding so I would like to recognise the efforts of all those officers who made up our previous Branch Council.

But, having said goodbye to some great reps, we now welcome a selection of fresh faces to join our existing team. I’m confident that together, we will work hard as a collective to advise, represent and support all our members when necessary. 

I’m proud and pleased to hear that local residents are supporting us, by opposing the Government’s decision to impose a pay freeze on police officers. While the Government decision is yet to be reversed, I speak on behalf of all members when I say we are truly grateful for the overwhelming support we’re receiving from the public. Furthermore, I will continue to urge the Government to reconsider the zero per cent pay rise, a completely disgraceful decision.

I would also like to take this opportunity to shine a light on the wellbeing of our officers and the importance of prioritising their mental and physical health.

With that in mind, I will draw your attention to the ongoing amnesty offered by the Police Treatment Centres. Make the most of this opportunity, which gives both serving and retired officers access to essential treatment, immediately after subscribing –without the usual 12-month wait.

I’ll end by once again expressing my delight in hopefully being able to soon welcome Special Constables into the Police Federation. The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill is currently going through Parliament and is set to become law early next year. We’ve been campaigning for this move for years and I look forward to finally welcoming Specials into the Federation family.

As always, keep safe.