Ian Lester is the new Chair Elect of Lancashire Police Federation

20 December 2024

Find out more about Ian Lester, the new Chair Elect of Lancashire Police Federation, who will take up his post at the end of March.

Q: Tell us about your policing career?

A: I’ve got 22 years’ service, starting in the south of the division in Preston, then moving over to the west division on immediate response. My work has been predominantly in neighbourhood policing, but I’ve carried out various secondments on CID, on the old support unit, and currently I’m a division Federation Rep but also an operational football officer. I follow the risk groups on the day of a match, identifying risks for divisional commanders to make their NDM assessments. That helps them make decisions around deployments.

Q: When did you become a Federation Rep?

A: Three years ago.

Q: And why did you decide to go for the role of Chair?

A: I’m really passionate about Federation work and supporting officers. I went through a difficult time in my personal life, and I needed some support from the Federation and they were there for me, so I understand what officers are going through. There is some room for change, though I do think everybody in Lancashire Police Federation does a wonderful job for the membership. But as Chair you have an overview of all that and you can make tweaks and changes where you feel necessary.

Q: What changes do you hope to make?

A: I’m looking forward to representing the rank-and-file officers and building relationships with the senior leadership team and the Chief Constable in order to get the very best for our membership.  Im currently working closely with the wellbeing coordinators to assist and promote a new neurodiversity support strategy. Maintaining good mental health is important, it promotes positive emotions, enhances your quality of life and boost productivity. Also there need to be improvements to policies on working adjustments for officers.

Q: What are you most looking forward to in your new role?

A: I’m excited about the new challenges I will face as Chair, and I will be in a dual role so I can still be an operational officer, on the frontline, shoulder to shoulder with the people who voted me in. I always want to make sure that I am up to speed with the things that affect officers the most. I’m also looking forward to being more involved in the strategic side of the Federation and leading the team.

Q: What’s your message to Federation members?

A: I want to be more visible to the membership, I want them to know who I am – and that they can make their problem my problem. I don’t want any of them to suffer in silence, because the Federation is here to help and support them in their working or private life. I want to be humble and I want people to come talk to me. I can’t promise that everything will go their way – I can’t promise pay rises or pension changes. What I can do is ensure that there’s a fair process, and because I’ll have a seat on the national council I can make sure that my voice is heard on their behalf.