A Christmas and New Year message from Sussex Police Federation Chair Raffaele Cioffi

23 December 2024

Dear Colleagues,

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your hard work and dedication over the past year. It has been nearly a year since you elected me as the Chair of Sussex Police Federation, and I am immensely proud to serve in this role.

Christmas is undoubtedly a time for reflection, and 2024 has been a challenging year for the Federation and its members.

We were held to account for past shortcomings through the Leigh Day challenge, and the Federation has accepted the outcome of the Employment Tribunal, settling the claim. It would be a mistake to stop there without learning from this experience.

To address these issues formally, we have engaged an independent panel to review the past and help develop a structure that ensures such mistakes are not repeated.

The introduction of a CEO and other senior roles within the Federation represents an important step forward, providing continuity of care as elected individuals transition in and out of office. This is critical for maintaining corporate memory and ensuring long-term stability.

Locally, the Sussex Federation has made significant progress.

We have settled into our new building, transforming from a small office at HQ into a fully functioning Branch that operates as a business, with members as its primary focus. One notable achievement is the implementation of a new workplace agreement addressing compensatory rest.

This corrects the previous misapplication, which disadvantaged members, often at the expense of their health. We hope this marks a turning point toward restoring balance.

In the realm of police conduct, we have seen ongoing developments, particularly with the new 2024 Police Regulations, which now place Chief Officers in the role of chairing hearings. I hope you have noticed the Federation’s increased visibility and accountability.

I remain committed to ensuring you, as members, receive the engagement and support you deserve from your Branch.

The festive period can be a challenging time for many of you, as you work long hours to keep our communities safe, often missing out on precious time with your families. Please know that the vast majority of the public deeply appreciate your efforts and dedication.

I would also like to take a moment to thank your families. Their support and sacrifice are sometimes overlooked, but they are invaluable. It is their unwavering encouragement that enables our exceptional police officers to carry out the toughest job during the toughest times.If you have any questions, concerns or wish to speak to us, please do so at admin@sussex.polfed.org

I wish you all a safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.