PFEW panel addresses future of national Federation at Annual Conference

21 October 2026

Plans to transform the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) were laid out by leaders during an open and honest panel discussion at this year’s Annual Conference.

The panel, made up of PFEW acting deputy national chair Paul Williams, acting national secretary Mel Warnes and interim chief executive officer Gabriel Miland, conducted a deep dive into the Federation's credibility.

The discussion follows a turbulent year for the organisation at national level, where recent events involving some of its senior leadership have disrupted operations and damaged members' confidence across the country.

Chaired by host Ian Collins, the panel acknowledged this and set out its ambitions to rebuild trust through meaningful cultural change, starting with recognising where mistakes have been made.

Opening this address, Mel said: “Members are absolutely right to be shocked and angry, feel let down, I'm sure,” she said, adding: “We've not got things right, and we need to do better. And we're honest about that.”

“This is a Federation that's worth fighting for, and that's what this transformation programme is about, because we need to build that trust.”

 

Credit: Anderson Photography

 

Gabriel then detailed how the PFEW's structure would change, saying independent reviews informed the transformation programme and produced 49 recommendations.

Among the recommendations he disclosed were replacing the separate national chair and secretary roles with a single general secretary position, reducing the size of the National Board, and strengthening the National Council's responsibilities.

There is also set to be an introduction of independent non-executive directors to provide additional scrutiny and challenge.

Gabriel explained this overhaul in leadership responsibilities was necessary to create ‘the organisation that our members need us to be’, with greater values of transparency and accountability.

Leadership culture

Meanwhile, Paul delivered a candid assessment of the previous culture of leadership within the Federation, pointing towards personal agendas and misaligned goals which created division.

Within this, he underlined the importance of national leaders working in unison to help individual Federation branches and representatives support members at local level.

Mel agreed, arguing that such a fragmented network could no longer continue and be considered fit for purpose.

“One Federation is stronger, and that will only benefit the members,” she said.

Cultural change

Paul argued that genuine cultural change would only come with individuals reflecting on their own actions, acknowledging mistakes and taking responsibility for improving things for those who followed.

Gabriel was also in agreement, adding that a strong, functioning culture is found at the heart of any organisation which truly meets the needs of its members.

“I think everything flows from culture. And culture is the most important thing,” said Gabriel.

Despite some difficult lines of questioning, the panel pointed to the National Council meeting on 22 September as evidence that a more united Federation was beginning to take shape.

Transformation

Gabriel described how representatives had debated the transformation proposals individually before unanimously supporting the final package.

He said the process marked a significant shift from previous reforms, with representatives able to challenge proposals, express concerns, and contribute to decisions.

For Paul, this process was one of the most respectful and dignified experiences he had enjoyed as part of the PFEW set-up.

He described a willingness from participants to engage in constructive debate, even in disagreement – a starting point for how all meetings and summits must be moving forward.

It was also explained by the panel how acting appointments such as their own had been necessary to sustain the Federation’s commitments to its members, while actively implementing the transformation programme.

Member voices

In the longer term, it was confirmed that priorities will be determined with greater consideration of member voices on the ground, fed through to the PFEW by local branches.

An emphasis on delivering a better, fairer service for Federation members was frequently reiterated by the panel throughout, with tangible and timely improvements targeted for members to witness first hand.

Looking ahead to the next 12 months, Paul said he expected delegates to see a significant change in the National Board's culture and operations.

He said the aim was to create ‘a more approachable, more open, more transparent, more effective Federation’, with a stronger and more meaningful voice.

This 2026 PFEW Annual Conference continues today (Wednesday 21 October) and tomorrow (Thursday 22 October).

READ MORE: £2.4 million for officer welfare announced at conference.