Tribute to national Fed chair

25 October 2021

Hertfordshire Police Federation chair Geoff Bardell has paid tribute to John Apter who has decided to step down as the national chair of the Police Federation.

John, who took up the role in August 2018 when he became the first national chair to be elected by Federation members, has announced he will not seek re-election next year.

Geoff said:  “It has been a pleasure working with John over the last three-and-a-half years. It has been a difficult time for policing and we have been under unprecedented amounts of pressure, not least because of the challenges of the coronavirus pandemic.

“John has worked tirelessly to make sure the potential impact of the pandemic on the health and wellbeing of Federation members was properly acknowledged and recognised and that has been very important.

“He has also shown a willingness to stand up to the Home Secretary and has pulled no punches in his assessment of the Government’s attitude towards the police service.

“He leaves office with the respect, thanks and best wishes of Hertfordshire Police Federation and its members. John has always offered great support to me, Hertfordshire Federation secretary Al Wollaston and the rest of the branch.”

Announcing his decision not to stand for re-election, John said: “This role is a privilege to hold and it truly is an honour to do what I do. However, I feel after a pretty eventful three and a half years for the Police Federation and for policing in general, and with almost 30 years’ service, it’s time for me to move on.

“I’ve been a Fed rep for as long as I can remember; I love what the Federation and our reps do and I couldn’t be more proud of the small part I have played. 

“A lot has happened since I became national chair, both professionally and personally; it’s been relentless. In all that time, all I have ever done is my best, and I hope that in some small way I have helped make a positive difference.

“I will continue to do my very best until the new national chair takes up the position in April 2022 and I wish them well in this exciting and unique role. It’s truly something special.”