Chair’s update: September

11 September 2025

By Luke Mitchell

I hope everyone has managed to enjoy some time off over the last few months. I know that some officers have really struggled to get leave over the summer. If this is the case, please get in touch with your local Fed rep so we can support you.

It’s been a busy period for policing across Hertfordshire, with a number of incidents of disorder across the country and other challenges to manage. As we move into the coming weeks and months, the pace of work will only increase - not just because of seasonal demand, but also because of the scale of change currently underway across the force.

We are facing some of the biggest organisational changes in years. The move from one to two Local Policing Commands (LPCs) and the merging of Community Safety Partnerships from 10 to six are just part of a much wider restructuring. Every part of local policing is being reviewed, with significant changes and savings being made. While a redundancy scheme is in place for police staff, this inevitably places additional pressure on police officers, who are being asked to backfill those roles.

Chief Constable

I recognise that the uncertainty and speed of change can be unsettling. However, I want to reassure you that the Chief Constable is listening and constructive feedback from officers is making a difference. 

For example, the original plan to reduce CID from ten departments to just two has been revised to four, in recognition of geographical and custody requirements. This demonstrates that your voices are being heard, and while change is happening quickly, further adjustments will continue to be made as feedback is considered. 

Please also make sure you are taking your annual leave where you can. I know this hasn’t always been easy, but with the new re-modelling, this pressure should begin to ease.

On pay and conditions, officers will receive a 4.2 per cent increase this year. While we know this falls short of what was hoped for, it is still a rise that we hope will help in some way. On-call allowances are also increasing, and I have asked the Chief Constable to look at whether Hertfordshire might adopt the same model as Northamptonshire, which means paying officers planned overtime for extra work at the end of shifts, rather than it counting as a ‘half hour for the King’. You’ll be pleased to hear that the Chief has already agreed to take this to the next National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) meeting. I look forward to hearing back from him.

Reinvested

On a more positive note, our Federation caravan lodge continues to be a real success. It is being used more than ever, with welfare stays quadrupling compared to previous years, and more officers accessing it for rest and recovery. It’s well managed, well looked after, and importantly, it is now running more efficiently - even generating a small profit that can be reinvested into officer welfare.

In terms of career development, we have also secured some greater flexibility around applications for specialist roles. Previously, officers needed to be in post for two years before applying for traffic or RPU roles if they held taser or response tickets. Now, officers within the last three months of their tenure can apply, with the agreement that they remain in the role for at least two years once appointed. This is an important step forward, and one we will continue to review with the force.

Communicate

Finally, a quick update on how we communicate with our members:

• VIVA Engage (Yammer): We are now actively using VIVA, to keep members updated regularly
• We have recently launched our own LinkedIn page - please follow and share our posts

I know change on this scale can be difficult, but I want to reassure you that your Federation is here to support you through it. 

Please keep sharing your feedback – it is being heard, and it is helping to shape the best possible outcomes for Hertfordshire officers.

READ MORE: Force urged to follow Northamptonshire Police over 'King's half hour'.