Your Federation

The structure of the PFEW is enshrined in the Police Federation Regulations 1969.

Since its creation nearly 100 years ago, the structure and operation of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) had remained largely unaltered.

In 2012, we initiated an organisational change programme with the intention of improving the organisation’s overall performance, and our relationship with members, stakeholders, the public and political decision-makers.

Our launch pad was an independent review (IR) that we commissioned in 2014 from the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (RSA), which outlined 36 recommendations for change and reform. We accepted and have actioned all the recommendations outlined in the final report.

This element of our transformation is now complete, but the review was just the beginning; a catalyst that has led us to grow in areas far beyond the scope of its recommendations, and enabling the organisation to look at how we can continue to evolve in order to best serve our members, now, and in the future.

Your Local Council

Until 2016, Joint Branch Boards (JBB) have comprised three separate Branch Boards – covering separately Constables (CBB), Sergeants (SBB) and Inspectors and Chief Inspectors (IBB).

Your representative is elected by ballot from constituencies agreed with the chief officer and elections take place triennially. Since 2016 there has been the Local Council, which is made up of 22 workplace reps across the force area. From these 22, 10 form the Local Board. This consists of the Reps who have taken on additional responsibilities such as Heath & Safety, Welfare, Uniform & Equipment and Treasurer.

Your National Federation

The Chair and Secretary from each force form the National Council. They attend regular meetings with the National Board to discuss what direction the National Reps should be taking when dealing with negotiations with the Government about legislation and pay and conditions.

All police cadets, constables, sergeants, inspectors and chief inspectors can choose to be members of the Police Federation of England and Wales under the Police Act 1996. Officers are offered this opportunity on joining, and must complete a form electing to join. This will be explained to you by Simon Payne during your induction week.

Some members may choose to join, but not pay subscriptions. However, only those members of the Police Federation who contribute to the voluntary fund can access the wide range of services offered to contributing members. The importance and value of these services – including support during complaints, and access to legal advice – to members is reflected by the fact only around 2% of officers choose not to contribute.