Recognition of pressures faced by officers discussed as PFEW Annual Conference opens

21 October 2026

The Police Federation of England and Wales’ (PFEW) Annual Conference for 2026 began earlier today with a firm emphasis on this year’s theme around ‘the true state of policing’ and its impacts on officers’ working and personal lives.

On the opening morning of the two-day national event, PFEW acting national deputy chair Paul Williams outlined how the profession’s most pressing topics would be explored in front of more than 600 attendees.

Central to his address was a desire to truly recognise the realities facing an ‘unsustainable workforce’, containing officers who are often overworked and insufficiently backed in terms of pay and conditions.

He also underlined the knock-on effect this can have on loved ones and home lives, as well as the importance of ensuring police reform delivers meaningful improvements in both the short and long term.

 

Acting deputy national chair Paul Williams

Credit: Anderson Photography

 

Paul said: “Over the course of this conference, we are going to talk about the true state of policing, including morale, welfare, working conditions, and the future of the service.

“I want this event to remind us of something behind every debate that happens around this profession, and behind every statistic and headline: people, who put on a uniform and accept a responsibility which the overwhelming majority of the public will never have to carry.

“Not only that, but they are then expected to fill the gaps which others are responsible for - causing them to start shifts still utterly wiped out from the last one. 

“And at the end of that, going home to be a mother, a father, a wife, a husband, a friend and a human being.

Support and represent members

“As a national Federation, we will also look at ourselves, and at the organisation we need to become, so we can properly support and represent our members through these overwhelming pressures.”

Paul also took time to remember the officers who have died in their service to policing, including those who have lost their lives while on duty over the past 12 months.

He stressed the significance of commemorating these individuals ‘before beginning the business of conference’, and gave a reminder that behind every death are relatives and colleagues always mourning ‘a life that mattered’.

Policing Minister Sarah Jones paid a similar tribute to fallen officers during her conference speech, honouring their sacrifices and recognising the risks faced by those who continue to serve.

Tributes to fallen officers

She said: “Today and always, we remember their sacrifice and think of their loved ones, which is what we have done in this past year for the likes of PC Matthew Blades, PC Tom Clough and PC Jess Turnbull.

“Any death in the line of duty is the most painful reminder of the risks you and your colleagues face to keep us all safe. That’s why my main message is one of thanks, to each of them and to every officer here today and all over the country.

“Policing is a public service, and like any other, it simply wouldn’t function without its rank-and-file workers.

“Day after day, you are out there on the frontline, attending emergencies, arresting suspects, supporting victims and reassuring communities – and it is all done out of a sense of duty and calling which is about much more than just a job.

“For this service and sacrifice, you deserve to be supported in every way possible.”

Wellbeing investment

The policing minister went on to address how the Government aims to play its part in providing this support, as she discussed a £2.4 million commitment to expanding services around trauma assistance, psychological risk assessments and 24/7 confidential mental health help.

Conference continues today (Wednesday 21 October) and tomorrow (Thursday 22 October). 

Members will be kept informed throughout.

READ MORE: Faizaan Najeeb remembered at ational Police Memorial Day.