‘Federation will make sure Specials’ voices are heard’

14 September 2021

Hertfordshire branch Geoff Bardell says the Police Federation will help the voices of Special Constables be heard when they’re finally able to join the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill is currently going through Parliament and includes provision to permit Specials to become PFEW members. It’s set to become law early next year.

And Geoff says the opportunity for Specials to be able join the Police Federation is not before time.

Geoff said: “I’m looking forward to being able to welcome Special Constables to the Federation. We’ve campaigned for a number of years for Specials to be able to access the wealth of support and advice services we offer.

“Specials face the same dangers and risks as full-time officers – we’ve seen the important role they’ve played during the pandemic – but without the benefits of Federation membership.

“This is a really positive step and not before time. We can ensure their voices are heard.”

His comments have been echoed by Dave Bamber, secretary of PFEW’s Special Constabulary Working Group, in a blog he’s written on the Federation’s website.

Dave said: “Specials won’t be treated any differently when they join PFEW. They will have parity with the existing membership, and exactly the same expert support, representation, and rights to vote and stand in elections. Nothing will be any different from any Special and an existing member.

“As volunteers though, we are keen to offer as much support as we can – especially for Specials who might not earn a lot in their day jobs or are struggling financially.” 

Dave added: “There is so much work to be done on the behalf of Specials. Nobody has looked properly at their conditions of service, how they are treated in the workplace, their terms of reference, or their pensions, for many, many years.”

Read the full blog.