Federation membership set to be opened up to Specials

24 March 2021

A bill to allow Special Constables to join the Police Federation “is long overdue”, says Suffolk branch chair Darren Harris.

Darren said he was proud of the contribution of the Force’s Specials during the pandemic as he looked forward to being able to welcome them to the Federation.

His comments came as the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill, which includes provision for Specials to subscribe to the Police Federation for the first time, passed its second reading in Parliament last week.

Darren said: “This bill is long overdue and will allow Specials to enjoy the same wide range of support and advice from the Federation as regular officers.

“The provision in the bill that’s currently going through Parliament for Specials to be able to join the Federation is welcome. Specials have been on the frontline throughout this pandemic, working alongside our members to protect the public, and their efforts have been unbelievable.

“They’ve faced the same risks and dangers, so it’s only right that they’re afforded the same support and protections. We look forward to the day we can welcome them into the Federation,” Darren added.

Joining more than 130,000 regular constables, sergeants, inspectors and chief inspectors as Federation members, Specials will be able to receive support and advice from elected workplace reps and will also be able to call on expert advice and representation during performance and misconduct proceedings and Post-Incident Procedures.

This will form part of the support package to ensure they know their rights and entitlements and means they will receive the right support if any workplace issues are encountered.

As Federation members, Specials will for also the first time be able to apply for legal assistance in criminal, conduct and civil cases as well as gaining access to Member Service offers.

The national Federation’s Special Constabulary lead Dave Bamber said: “Nobody has ever really fully represented the Special Constabulary regarding regulations or formal negotiations. Nobody has been on the side of Specials during conversations with key decision-makers - and now the Federation will be. It is a really proud moment for the Federation and a historic move.

“It is only right Specials receive the same legal protections, support with workplace grievances and negotiations over conditions as their regular counterparts.”

The Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill is expected to continue to progress through Parliament before becoming law later this year.