Federation elections: café events

12 May 2021

Hertfordshire branch chair Geoff Bardell says being a Police Federation workplace representative can be hugely rewarding and he encouraged members to stand at the upcoming elections.

The election process starts on 1 July and Geoff said being a rep is a great opportunity for members to support colleagues and to develop their skills and knowledge.

“Our elections are coming up and no doubt some of our members will be thinking of standing,” Geoff said, “Being a Federation rep and supporting the people you work alongside can be really rewarding so I would encourage any members to put themselves forward. It might only be a quick word of advice or it could be through a more lengthy process but it’s really satisfying to know you’ve helped a colleague in some way.

“It’s also an opportunity to grow and develop, as reps receive excellent training in a range of areas such as equality, and health and safety.

“If any member is thinking of standing at the upcoming elections I would encourage them to go for it.”

The Federation is putting on a series of online Election Café events for members, particularly from under-represented groups, to find out more about becoming a rep.

They also aim to showcase how reps and self-organised groups are vital in supporting the Federation’s 130,000 members across England and Wales.

They take place on:

Tuesday 18 May from 10am to 11.30am

Tuesday 25 May from 2pm to 3.30pm and

Tuesday 1 June 1 from 6pm to 7.30pm.

The busy agenda starts with welcomes from John Apter, the national Federation chair, and vice-chair Ché Donald.

There are tasters from Belinda Goodwin, national Federation wellbeing lead and women’s group secretary, and Zac Mader, Police Association strategic leads secretary and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and BAME belief secretary.

In the main session of the Election Café, Peggy Lamont, national Federation equality lead, will talk about the importance of officers putting themselves forward to become Fed reps and there will be inputs from leaders from the Federation’s self-organised groups.

After a few words from the Federation’s in-house legal team, the events finish with a Q & A, a recap of what’s been shared and learned, and details on the next steps to becoming a Fed rep.

Geoff added: “Grab a cuppa and join us for one of the sittings and find out more about the upcoming elections and being a Fed rep.”

More information is available at www.polfed.org/repsatwork and you can register your interest by emailing pfevents@polfed.org.