Feels on Wheels: Fed reps discuss backing of members through welfare van

28 August 2024

In light of rioting that has broken out across the UK in July and August, as well as two high-profile local murder cases pushing scrutiny onto Suffolk Constabulary, many officers have been working 12-hour shifts in a move to cope with the added pressure.

Emma and Claire have been leading efforts on behalf of the Federation to care for the wellbeing of these officers, namely through their travels in the Fed’s welfare van, which they have aptly branded ‘Feels on Wheels’.

Claire said: “Even if Suffolk hasn’t directly seen much in the way of rioting, constantly being on standby and being called out to work longer days has unavoidably taken its toll on our members. And for some officers, it will be their first experience of anything like this.

Emma Arthurs-Newman and Claire Yates.

“So, we have been getting ourselves around the region to help in whatever way we can.”

The reps have been on hand to provide both physical support in the way of refreshments to Police Support Units (PSUs) and verbal guidance and advice to cops on subjects such as regulations, rest days, overtime and flexible working.

“I think the main thing has been giving that cathartic release to our members,” Emma added.

Mentally draining

“The last few weeks have been physically and mentally draining and some officers just want someone to vent to and air their frustrations and confusion – especially when it’s not totally clear how these longer hours will be compensated for later down the line with leave.”

Additionally, Emma and Claire have made sure not to forget about police officers suffering from the knock-on effects of this increased demand.

This has mostly been seen in cases where officers have been taken away from frontline policing to fulfil national requirements of PSU reserves. Colleagues in response and neighbourhood teams, meanwhile, have been required to carry an extra workload as a result of this.

“We don’t want these people to feel left behind. The PSUs might have been in the eye of the storm recently, but everyday policing still goes on,” Claire said.

“We have had officers called out to cover Essex officers, who in turn have had to cover Met officers, leaving obvious gaps. In terms of welfare, we realised we could help to plug these gaps by offering our members being stretched further the same support with refreshments, reinstalling knowledge around regulations and entitlements, and generally just being there to check in.”

Longer hours

The heightened visibility of the Federation across the county has been well received, according to Emma, with some members also having to contend with difficulties over childcare amid the unexpected shift to longer hours.

“With it currently being the school summer holidays, the timing couldn’t have been worse, really.

“Of course, we all recognise the need for special measures in these circumstances, but it does come at a cost. It’s left some officers very stressed because they want to make sure they can still support their families at home.

“That’s why I think it’s been important for our members to physically see the Federation – so if they feel a bit caught up in a whirlwind, they can come out talk to us. And I think a lot of them have really appreciated that,” she said.

Looking forward, Emma and Claire, who have been workplace reps for eight and five years respectively, promised that the Federation will use their voice when leave allowances are ironed following the current period of demand. Embargoes issued by the Force mean many officers are blocked from taking leave now, meaning they will have to take it elsewhere in the calendar, and as such, leaving the Fed in anticipation of a higher leave deficit in March next year.

“We will want to make sure officers put in requests having kept track of declined leave from this current time, so they can use this to aid their appeal to retain those hours that go over the allowed 40-hour carryover,” Emma continued.

The pair ended by issuing a message to any Federation members who may need support: “We are always here for you and we will always fight for your welfare.

“Whatever your concern, we can help. Even in situations where can’t provide an answer ourselves, we will direct you to the right place and facilitate the right conversations.

Vehicle

“For example, we want more people to know about the Employee Assistance Programme, which is available to all police staff on their force’s intranet and contains counselling and advice on many different issues to do with wellbeing, health and work performance.

“We just want our members to know we are here for them, now and always.”

While the ‘Feels on Wheels’ van concluded its current tour on 23 August, discussions are planned for future opportunities in which Suffolk Police Federation can reach out to its members through use of the vehicle.

As autumn and winter approach, this could potentially be in the shape of supporting officers policing football matches in the colder months – a welcome source of backing amid the demand associated with the county now having a Premier League club in Ipswich Town.

If you are a supervisor and think there could be scope to use the van for officer welfare, you can contact the Federation team who will gladly advise.