Ben set to lead national conference debate on disclosure

13 May 2022

Suffolk Police Federation secretary Ben Hudson will lead a discussion on the impact of new disclosure rules on members at next week’s conference.

Ben says he’s looking forward to being part of a panel on day two of the conference debating the changes to Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) director’s guidance.

He said: “The changes were introduced last year and require officers and police staff to provide the CPS with trial-ready a prosecution before it makes a decision about charging.

“We know from our own survey of detectives that it’s added to their workload, and that if a suspect admits to an offence or the CPS decides not to proceed it can be a waste of time and resources.

“This discussion will explore whether a full case file is required for the CPS to decide its next step, the impact of the changes on our members, and the burden it’s placed on their ability to deliver justice for victims of crime.

“I’m looking forward to debating an important topic and one that impacts a lot of Federation members.”

The Police Federation for England and Wales (PFEW) annual conference is being held in Manchester on Tuesday and Wednesday (17 to 18 May).

This year’s theme is Fighting for Fairness. It takes place in person for the first time in four years, and members can also attend virtually.

It will be facilitated by broadcaster Ian Collins.

First day highlights include discussions on pay and conditions, the Government’s uplift programme and the pension remedy.

As well as CPS guidance, day two will examine the effects of trauma and mental health, misogyny in the workplace and the impact of new legislation on police drivers.

The conference will also be announcing and presenting an award to the winner of the Women in Policing Award.

You can register to attend in person here.

Or you can register to join the conference virtually here.

Sessions can be viewed via the online platform and questions posed to speakers in the main auditorium sessions. There’s also an opportunity to build your profile and interact with other online attendees.