Being a full-time Fed rep is just that: ‘full-time’, says branch chair

20 March 2025

‘It’s time we turn our challenges into opportunities,’ branch chair Sam Dobbs has urged colleagues as he highlighted the realities of being a local Federation representative.

Sam was speaking to fellow branch chairs and secretaries during the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) National Council meeting this week.

Addressing his peers, including representatives from the National Board, on Tuesday (18 March), Sam explored the challenges, ongoing tasks and hurdles being felt by those working tirelessly to support members locally.

“I was given the opportunity to highlight the work Federation representatives do locally - specifically here in Northamptonshire - to the National Council,” said Sam.

Branch chair Sam Dobbs.

“The Federation operates at a national and local level. With the national challenges ongoing, I felt it was important to speak up for local chairs, secretaries and representatives to remind us all of the quite incredible range of issues and challenges we support members with.

“It’s never been more important that we look out for each other, just as we look out for every single one of our members.”

Within Northamptonshire, there are three full-time Federation representatives, including Sam, branch secretary Charlotte Pateman and CAPLO lead Alan McMahon.

Out of approximately 1500 police officers in the county, all but 14 are members, as well as 81 per cent of Northamptonshire Special Constables.

Fed reps

“I think there’s a misconception surrounding what the role of Federation representatives, especially those full-time, involves. Even at a national level, I think it’s easy to lose sight of the workload and demands placed on local Federation representatives daily, as well as the emotional toll it can take on many of us,” continued Sam.

“Anyone who is a Federation rep knows just as well as I do, the job isn’t nine-to-five. If this is your full-time job, it really is full-time. You can’t switch off.”

Sam broke the presentation up into several topics, including experience and leadership, demand, equality and inclusion, misconduct, forthcoming elections and variety of the role.

He reflected on many of the challenges Northamptonshire Federation’s branch council has faced over the past 12 months, including reacting to the suspension of former Chief Constable Nick Adderley, as well as former Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner (PFCC) Stephen Mold.

Sam drew attention to the need for Fed reps to give members a voice, by playing a vital role in conversations with key stakeholders around the likes of pay, morale and pensions.

Misconduct

He spoke about the invaluable ongoing support provided by the Federation to members, especially those facing conduct or misconduct cases.

He emphasised the need for the Federation to tailor its services so it can best support all members, whatever age they are and whatever job they have in the Force.

“As Federation representative, you take on so many crucial roles: you are voice for members, you are a shoulder to cry on, you are a listening ear,” Sam continued.

“But as well as that, you are a critical friend to senior colleagues within the Force. You have a duty to build trust and confidence with the public, by way of media interviews and engaging with the local community, and you are representing the branch throughout the year at national policing events.

“You’re required to juggle all of these roles - and that’s what many people don’t see. It takes a huge amount of effort and hard work. We continue to do it though, because we’re passionate about our membership.”

Sam said that he hoped that by giving the presentation to National Council, it not only showcased the work being done in Northamptonshire, but reassured fellow full-time Fed reps that they are not alone.

Challenges

He said: “We are all in this together, and we can use the challenges we face today to build a better Federation tomorrow.

“I see these challenges as opportunities.”

And his words were not lost on his peers, with multiple Federation representatives from other branches heaping praise on Sam for giving an honest and transparent insight into the realities of being a Federation representative.

Raffele Cioffi, chair of Sussex Police Federation said: “I deeply reflected on what Sam said while he was speaking.

“It’s clear that, despite the distance between us, our experiences within the Federation have been very similar. The constant juggling of demands - knowing that each member's needs are a priority to them yet having to determine true priorities - is a difficult position to be in as an elected representative.

“The perception that our role is easy is simply a facade, and Sam articulated that beautifully, with the impact it has on our personal life.”

Inspiring

Echoing Raffele’s comments, Steve Butler, who was speaking on behalf of West Mercia Police Federation, added: “It was really inspiring to see Sam giving such a real insight into the work that goes into being a full-time Fed rep.

“It really drew attention to the enormous workload, commitment and dedication felt by local Fed reps - much of which, I think, goes unnoticed.

“It was especially great to share what we do with the National Board, who - at no fault of their own - don’t always see the pressures and demands we face.

“I’ve seen a lot of presentations and keynote speeches at National Council, but Sam’s was one of the most valuable inputs I’ve experienced to date. He left us all feeling very motivated.”

Reflecting on the feedback, Sam said: “I was staggered by the positive response and the questions I received, despite the daunting prospect that it was to address National Council.”