Branch chair urges members to engage with the Federation elections

18 December 2024

In less than two weeks’ time, the Federation elections process will start.

The whole process will take more than nine months from start to finish with the local rounds of the elections getting it all underway.

The first stage will be the election of workplace representatives at all 43 branches of the Police Federation of England and Wales. Nominations for these posts open on 30 December and close on 24 January with voting between 3 and 23 February.

The successful candidates, who will become part of their local Federation Branch Councils, will be announced on 27 February.

Elections

Rob Bowles, chair of North Yorkshire Police Federation, is hoping all members will engage with the elections process, both locally and nationally.

“The Federation is a staff association aiming to support its members, while also giving them a voice,” says Rob, “To ensure that we are truly representative of our members’ views, we need them to get involved in the elections, consider the candidates who put themselves forward and vote for those who they feel will be best for the role.

“But equally, we want them to consider being candidates themselves. Often the very best reps are those who have called on the Federation for support in the past, so if you fall into that category, ask yourself whether you could provide similar support for your own colleagues. Alternatively, are you a member who feels that the Federation is not meeting your needs. Could you get involved and help shape the future of your branch?

“If you are interested in becoming a Federation workplace representative, now’s the time to find out more. Ask an existing rep about the role or contact the Federation office and speak to one of the full-time officials.”

The Force’s constables, sergeants and inspecting ranks, as well as Specials, can stand in the local workplace representative elections, with successful candidates being given the opportunity to represent, support and negotiate on key issues for their colleagues.

Information, including how to self-nominate and how to vote, will be emailed to all members.

Candidates

Successful candidates automatically become part of their local Branch Council. From the Branch Council, an executive - the Branch Board - is elected, including a chair, secretary and treasurer.

Federation members vote for their local chair from mid-May with the results being announced on 28 June. The branch chair and other officials take office on 1 June.

Voting for the national chair, which is open to all members of the Police Federation nationwide, runs from 30 June to 14 July with the results being announced on 15 July. The final stage of the elections is on 1 October when members of the new National Board take up their positions.

Find out more about the role of a workplace representative.

The election process:

Members vote for workplace reps (Branch Council)
The Branch Council votes for the Branch Board members
Members elect the local branch chair
The Branch Board elects the local branch secretary
The chairs and secretaries from branches across England and Wales make up the National Council
The National Council votes to elect the National Board
All members vote to elect the national chair
The National Board selects the general secretary
The National Board votes in remaining principal officers.