PFEW’s conduct and performance workstream is responsible for all matters relating to professional standards, misconduct, discipline, and unsatisfactory performance in relation to officers of the federated ranks, including liaising at a strategic level with key stakeholders. It meets five times per year and reports directly to the National Board.

Working with the Learning and Development Department at HQ, it develops training packages for new and existing PFEW conduct representatives, making sure they are updated and trained in the new regulations to expertly support members in their time of need.

It frequently liaises with various stakeholders including the Home Office and the National Police Chiefs’ Council to benefit members by ensuring the regulations are fit for purpose and processes are fair, transparent and evidence based.

Via our long-running Time Limits campaign, it is also continuing to lobby for police disciplinary investigations to be concluded within 12 months from the moment an allegation is made.

It is pressing for legislative change which would give legally qualified persons power to impose deadlines on investigations which have dragged on for a year, as the impact on police officers, complainants and public confidence is damaging.

Vetting

On 14 May 2025 the Government introduced new regulations around vetting. The Home Office has been under some pressure, exacerbated by the Di Maria case, to strengthen the rules and give chief constables more power to remove officers who are unable to meet the vetting requirement.

Of course, the Federation understands those who call for action to boost public confidence in policing, after the events of recent years. We have been unequivocal in our public messaging there is no place in policing for those who betray their oath and undermine public trust.

However, we are equally clear this needs to be done using a fair and just process so that police officers can only be dismissed on the basis of credible evidence, not rumour or hearsay.

Since the launch, PFEW has been in consultation with the Home Office and key stakeholders, feeding into the guidance which will accompany the regulations, clearly setting out how they should be applied by forces.

In the meantime, PFEW will scrutinise how forces implement these new regulations to make sure they are fair for all officers.