The Federation has welcomed the news that the Home Secretary will today throw his support behind the creation of a covenant for policing.

Sajid Javid will lay out plans, at the Police Federation’s 24th annual Police Bravery Awards in London tonight, for a covenant that will recognise the sacrifice of serving and former officers.

He is also expected to announce that volunteer special constables will be allowed to seek representation by the Federation for the first time.

John Apter, National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) called the developments "really good news for policing".

On the Covenant, he said: "It is truly fitting that the Home Secretary should choose our Bravery Awards – the night we celebrate our heroic and selfless police officers – to announce the news. The Police Federation has been campaigning for a Policing Covenant, we have argued that the Government can and should do more to protect our police officers and this is a significant step towards achieving that.

"A Police Covenant would enshrine the welfare of police officers in law and would have a hugely positive impact on our members. It would also demonstrate that the Home Secretary and others in Government are listening to what we have asked for and have acted."

Mr Apter also expressed thanks to Police Oracle and other policing associations who have worked with PFEW to secure this support from the Government.

The Home Secretary is expected to say: “The Government plans to introduce a Police Covenant to provide the support the police so richly deserve. This will be a pledge to do more as a nation to help those who serve this country. It will ensure the sacrifice made by the police is properly recognised. I’m in awe of every officer who plays their part in keeping this country safe. Rest assured, the Government has your back – and the Police Covenant will make sure of that.”

A consultation will take place 'in due course' on the principle and scope of the Covenant.

Police officers do an increasingly difficult job with diminishing resources so a legal move to recognise this and safeguard their welfare is welcome.