New Fed secretary keen to engage and empower reps

1 April 2021

“I like making a difference in the career of an officer who is going through a difficult time,” says new secretary Rob Gunner, as he settles into his new role within the Humberside Police Federation branch.

Inspired by his police officer grandad, Rob joined the Force 20 years ago. 

“Grandad was an officer in the City of Birmingham - latterly West Midlands - Police. He always talked about the job and the things he did and people he met. Sounded right up my street,” he explained.

His first post was at Scunthorpe East Local Policing Team, back in 2001. Two decades later and Rob reflects on his career highlights, saying: “Being promoted to inspector in 2012 and having command of an excellent team.”

His latest career move to full-time branch secretary follows years in Special Ops. He talks fondly about his experience with marine underwater search and the police dogs. He explains that his career has also seen him work overseas, in Holland to work with Dutch customs.

“We actively targeted organised crime groups, smuggling in large amounts of contraband,” he adds, “I also worked to uplift the dog section, increasing the number and quality of dogs used, personal issue vehicles for all handlers and reintegration of dogs into local response teams.”

Rob first became a Federation workplace rep in 2015, after a colleague suggested he had the skills to look after colleagues across the Force.

“I bring a passion for looking after our members,” he says, adding: “I recognise the stresses and pressures they are under and I’m prepared to challenge senior leaders to do the right thing by their staff.”

Having sat in on SLTS as an inspector, Rob says he feels comfortable negotiating with senior leaders. He says he understands the politics of getting things done.

“I enjoy meeting different people I ordinarily would never meet due to where they work and in different departments,” Robs says, as he admits he enjoys being challenged and asked things he needs to find out.

While the role of a rep is full of rewards, Rob outlines some of the challenges he has faced too, saying:  “It’s difficult having to tell officers that they are not right, and the Federation will not back someone who is in the wrong. We have to adjust the message and how it is given to ensure the officer leaves in the best place they can be.”

Eager to build his relationship with members, Rob wants to empower reps to have an impact on decisions within the Force by encouraging them to be engaged with the SLTS in their area of work.  

“I want to establish trust from members, to show them that I do have their best interests at heart and that the Federation will always work hard to achieve the best possible outcomes for them,” he adds.

During his time in the Federation, Rob has so far trained in misconduct, advocacy, equalities, plus health and safety, with the data protection managers course in the pipeline.

He adds: “My special areas of interest are misconduct, as well as the general day to day management of how we can get the best out of our reps.”

Looking forward, Rob predicts the future will present a few challenges for the new leadership team at Humberside Police Federation, as they assess the priorities of the branch.

As for the Force, he anticipates a post-Covid world might deliver a few hurdles.

“Especially as we come out of a year’s lockdown,” he adds. 

“We also have a very young workforce on the frontline, with a lack of experience to support them. Plus, CID are suffering with a lack of experienced detectives and I don’t believe the pathway through to CID is being used to its full potential.” 

As the new Fed secretary, Rob is keen to encourage his colleagues to put themselves forward to become a rep, not least for the lifetime friendships they could make.

“If you have a passion for meeting and representing colleagues and for challenging yourself in areas out of your comfort zone come to the Fed,” he says.

“You will meet colleagues from around all forces in England and Wales and make contacts and friendships that will last forever.”