Could you be a Federation representative?

17 December 2024

All Dyfed Powys Police Federation members are being urged to get involved in the forthcoming elections which start in just under two weeks’ time.

They can put themselves forward for election as a workplace representative, vote for the candidates of their choice and also take part in the vote for the local branch and national chairs.

The election process, which involves all Federation branches across England and Wales, starts on 30 December when nominations open for workplace representatives. Nominations close on 24 January with voting then open from 3 to 23 February. The results of this first stage of the elections process will then be announced on 27 February.

The elections then roll on over next year, right up to 1 October 2025 when the new National Board will be in place.

Dyfed Powys Police Federation branch chair Delme Rees is encouraging members to consider standing in the forthcoming Federation elections.

He says: “I would like to highlight that any Federation member can stand to be a representative and, while we have inspector, sergeant and PC representation in areas from response, CIH, custody, JFU, L & D and all divisions including HQ, I would like to see some CID, RPU and NPT representation as well as those from under-represented groups put themselves forward.

“Speaking for the branch, it is really positive in how I have seen it develop and I’m keen to ensure this continues along with maintaining the high level of support to those colleagues that need it most.”

Elections

Committed to providing resilience within the Federation, he continued: “Once the elections are complete - and should I still be chair - I want to ensure that we retain as much as possible the appropriate level of knowledge and experience that is only gained first-hand by the representatives who deal with the welfare, advice and misconduct cases on a daily basis.

“With Gareth Jones retiring from the chair position and now Roger Webb as branch secretary, along with other work-based reps either retiring or standing down in December as they retire soon after, there’s definitely an element of uncertainty, I think, from our members. I will expect that a number of our current workplace representatives will be re-elected by the members off the back of their good work and direct support over the last three years.”

The Force’s constables, sergeants and inspecting ranks, as well as Specials, can stand in the local workplace representative elections.

Information on the first round of elections for workplace reps, including how to self-nominate and how to vote, will be emailed to all members. As well as being able to vote for their local workplace reps, all members can vote for their local chair in May next year and over the summer the national chair through an electronic voting system.

Branch Council

Each of the 43 police forces in England and Wales has a Federation Branch Council made up of all the workplace reps for that force. From the Branch Council, an executive - the Branch Board - is elected, including a chair, secretary and treasurer. Other lead roles include equality, health and safety, and conduct and performance. Local reps also have the chance to put themselves forward for the national body whenever opportunities arise.

Federation branches across the country are making a special plea to members from under-represented groups to consider putting themselves forward to become reps to help better reflect the diversity of the membership.

Find out more about the election process and the timetable for the elections on Page 4 of the latest edition of our members’ magazine Chwarae Teg.

Learn about the role of a workplace representative.

READ MORE: Retiring secretary's message to colleagues.