Specials to be allowed to join the Federation

9 June 2020

Humberside branch secretary Helen Collier has welcomed moves to allow Special Constables to join the Federation.

Helen, who sits on the national Federation's working group for Specials, said she was ‘delighted’ they would be able to have the representation, support, advice and protection offered by the Federation.

Helen said: “I’m particularly proud of the commitment Specials have shown during the coronavirus pandemic. Their efforts have been amazing. They’ve played a huge part in our response and have really demonstrated their value to the Force. They’ve given up their time freely and face the same dangers as our members.

“We’re delighted that we will be able to welcome Specials into the Federation family and to offer them the representation, support, advice and protection they need and deserve.”

Under current legislation, Special Constables in England and Wales are not allowed to be Federation members.

But the Police Powers and Protections Bill, due before MPs later this year, will seek to allow Specials Federation membership.

In a blog, the Police Federation’s professional development lead, Dave Bamber, said the change was not before time.

“I’m delighted that, following discussions with the Home Secretary and other Government officials to facilitate a change in law, Specials will be included as part of the Federation’s remit in the Police Powers and Protections Bill expected this Autumn,” he said.

“This inclusion will allow Specials to receive the same representation as full-time police officers and allows the vital work that they do to be officially recognised. I am delighted we will be able to give Special Constables the protection in the workplace that they so richly deserve.”

Dave added: “Time and again during the COVID-19 pandemic I have been impressed and humbled by the way in which Special Constables have stepped up and worked alongside their full-time colleagues to serve the public when they needed it the most.”

Delegates voted in favour of Specials being allowed to join at the Police Federation’s annual national conference in 2014 but two years later the Home Office decided against the move.