Federation’s Annual Conference opens with honest look at life on the frontline

21 October 2026

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has opened its Annual Conference by promising an honest account of the pressures facing officers, and a look at its own shortcomings.

This year’s two-day event, titled ‘The Real State of Policing’ was opened by acting deputy national chair Paul Williams, who said the reality is one of officers starting a shift exhausted from the last, and of an unsustainable workforce being expected to fill the gaps left by others. 

He spoke about officers trying to be a mum, a dad, a husband, a wife and a friend at the end of it all.

“That’s the real state of policing,” he told delegates.

Paul said the Federation would speak honestly over the next two days about the pressures facing members and their families, covering pay, welfare, working conditions, the future of the service, and what reform must mean for the people expected to deliver it. 

The Federation would also look at itself, he said, including where it had got things wrong and what it needed to change to represent members properly.

Behind every debate, statistic and headline, he said, are people who put on a uniform and accept responsibilities that most of the public will never have to carry.

Roll of Honour

Paul also remembered colleagues lost through illness and, tragically, suicide. “Behind every one of those deaths is a family grieving,” he said, before asking everyone in the room to stand. The room then remembered this year’s Roll of Honour, which records officers who have died on duty.

Policing Minister Sarah Jones then addressed delegates by a video message, paying tribute to officers who have died in the last 12 months. 

“Today and always, we remember their sacrifice,” she said. She spoke about attending the funerals of Cleveland Police officers Matthew Blades and Tom Clough, and Northumbria Police’s Jess Turnbull.

Ms Jones announced £2.4 million this year to expand support services, including better trauma support, expanded psychological risk assessments and round-the-clock access to confidential mental health support. She said that when help is needed, ‘it must be accessible, and it must be of the highest quality’.

Funding

The funding, which she said would be provided this year, will go towards better trauma support, expanded psychological risk assessments to identify those at risk earlier, and round-the-clock access to confidential mental health support.

She has also asked His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary to examine the issue and identify where further improvements may be needed.

This year’s Conference continues today (Wednesday 21 October) and tomorrow (Thursday 22 October).

We will be keeping members updated throughout the next two days.