PFEW Annual Conference opens with tributes to fallen officers

21 October 2026

This year's Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) Annual Conference got underway today (Wednesday 21 October), with a renewed commitment to examining ‘the true state of policing’ and its impact on officers.

More than 600 attendees are attending the two-day event, which was opened by PFEW acting national deputy chair Paul Williams, who discussed the modern demands faced by members.

Acknowledging these realities, Paul said officers were not alone in questioning the sustainability of working conditions that push them into fatigue and burnout.

He also highlighted the impact these pressures can have beyond the workplace, emphasising the need for reform that improves not only officers' lives, but also those of their families and loved ones.

 

 

Acting deputy national chair Paul Williams

Credit: Anderson Photography

 

Paul said: “Over the course of this conference, we are going to talk about the true state of policing, including morale, welfare, working conditions, and the future of the service.

“I want this event to remind us of something behind every debate that happens around this profession, and behind every statistic and headline, there are people who put on a uniform and accept a responsibility which the overwhelming majority of the public will never have to carry.

“Not only that, but they are then expected to fill the gaps which others are responsible for - causing them to start shifts still utterly wiped out from the last one.

“And at the end of that, going home to be a mother, a father, a wife, a husband, a friend and a human being.

Support and represent members

“As a national Federation, we will also look at ourselves, and at the organisation we need to become, so we can properly support and represent our members through these overwhelming pressures.”

This opening speech also included a tribute to officers who have died while dedicating themselves to policing, including those who have lost their lives in the line of duty over the past 12 months.

Stressing the importance of commemorating these individuals before ‘beginning the business of conference’, Paul emphasised how behind every death remains a group of relatives and friends mourning ‘a life that mattered’.

Policing Minister Sarah Jones echoed these sentiments, addressing delegates via a pre-recorded video.

Remembering fallen officers

She said: “Today and always, we remember their sacrifice and think of their loved ones, which is what we have done in this past year for the likes of PC Matthew Blades, PC Tom Clough and PC Jess Turnbull.

“Any death in the line of duty is one of the risks officers and their colleagues face to keep everyone else safe. That’s why my main message is one of thanks, to each of them and to every officer here today and all over the country.

“Policing is a public service, and like any other, it simply wouldn’t function without its rank-and-file workers.

“Day after day, you are out there on the frontline, attending emergencies, arresting suspects, supporting victims and reassuring communities - and it is all done out of a sense of duty and calling which is about much more than just a job.

“For this service and sacrifice, you deserve to be supported in every way possible.”

Wellbeing investment

Ms Jones went on to outline how the Government intends to play its part in connecting officers to this support, highlighting a £2.4 million funding commitment to extend trauma assistance, psychological risk assessments and confidential mental health services accessible around the clock.

She has also asked His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary to examine the issue and identify where further improvements may be needed.

This year’s Conference continues today (Wednesday 21 October) and tomorrow (Thursday 22 October).

We will be keeping members updated throughout the next two days.

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