Branch chair urges members to engage in Federation elections

18 December 2024

Matthew Candy believes the elections not only give officers the chance to put themselves forward to represent and support colleagues by serving as a workplace Federation rep, but also the opportunity to help shape the future of the Federation itself.

“There is no doubt at all that being a Federation workplace representative can be incredibly challenging,” said Matthew, “It’s a role you take on alongside your Force role, which in itself can prove demanding at times, but there is no better feeling that knowing you have been able to help a colleague through a difficult period in their lives.

“Often we find that members who have had benefited from the support of the Federation in the past are the ones who then put themselves forward to become a Fed rep and I am sure there will be some officers in that category who will stand for election this time.

“But I also hope that officers who may want to see change within the Federation will also consider nominating themselves as workplace rep. It can be all too easy to be on the outside, looking in and offering criticism, but the best way to bring about change is to be on the inside, having an influence and bringing your ideas to the table.

“All reps undergo professional training with an initial new reps’ course and can then access specialist courses on conduct, equality and health and safety. This training can also have benefits for reps in their policing role too.”

While encouraging members to consider standing for election themselves, Matthew is also keen to make sure that all members use their vote and engage with the elections process in that way.

Federation Rep

“I would urge all members to find out who is standing to become a Federation rep, and to vote for the candidate they feel will best serve the membership,” he explained.

Any Federation member – constables, sergeants, inspectors, chief inspectors and Specials - can nominate themselves for election as a workplace rep. Successful candidates become part of their local Branch Council. From there, they can stand to be on the local Branch Board, then stand for a regional or a national role if they wish.

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.

The nationwide election process starts on 30 December when nominations open for workplace representatives and will be complete by 1 October 2025 when the new National Board will be in place.

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. Using an electronic voting system, members can vote for their local workplace reps early next year, then their local chair and, next summer, the national chair.

Voting

Nominations for workplace representatives are open from 30 December until 24 January, with voting take place from 3 to 23 February and the results being announced on 27 February. Voting for the local branch chair takes place in May next year.

The election process:

Members vote for workplace reps (Branch Council)
The Branch Council votes for the Branch Board members
Members elect the local branch chair
The Branch Board elects the local branch secretary
The chairs and secretaries from branches across England and Wales make up the National Council
The National Council votes to elect the National Board
All members vote to elect the national chair
The National Board selects the general secretary
The National Board votes in remaining principal officers