The National Chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) joined Home Secretary Priti Patel and other senior policing figures today at the first Police Covenant Board meeting to oversee the implementation of a new Police Covenant (Wednesday 14 July).

In a wide-ranging discussion, Board members agreed to examine a wide range of proposals to provide police officers and staff with long-term support and protection to carry out their duties, with the focus on health and wellbeing, physical safety, and support for families.

The proposals included plans to ensure Occupational Health Standards are embedded in all forces, the establishment of a new Chief Medical Officer for Policing in England and Wales, and improved training for GPs related to specific police roles.

The new Board discussed developing pre-deployment mental health support for the entire police workforce and plans to consider what a good support model for families should look like, based on established good practice.

PFEW National Chair John Apter, said: “The Police Covenant is something I believe passionately about, and I am incredibly proud this is finally turning into reality.

“We have worked long and hard on the creation of a Covenant to ensure it benefits all police officers, staff, volunteers, their families, and our retired colleagues.

“The first meeting of the Covenant Board is an important step forward and I look forward to playing my part in ensuring the Covenant is meaningful and tangible for all our members and their families.”

Home Secretary Priti Patel said: “I have been resolute in my determination to ensure that the police have the support they need in order to carry out their duties to protect the public. This is an absolute priority for me.

“The new Police Covenant will recognise the dangers and the harms they face each day as they undertake their duties.”

The Covenant Board will meet every quarter to discuss the Police Covenant and deliver agreed outcomes and monitoring progress.

Those attending the meeting alongside PFEW and the Home Office included representatives from the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the College of Policing, the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners, the Police Superintendents’ Association, Unison, the Chief Police Officers’ Staff Association and the Welsh Government.