Police Federation of England and Wales - Member Support Document

 

With members every step of the way

 

The Police Federation is here to support members at every stage of their career, from everyday workplace advice on pay, pensions, welfare, health and safety, and conditions of service, through to representation and legal assistance in more serious matters such as misconduct investigations, criminal proceedings arising from operational duties, inquests and other formal processes.

 

How do I apply for legal assistance?

 

If you need legal support, your first step is to contact your local Federation office or representative. They will assess whether your case meets the funding criteria and, if appropriate, help you complete an application and gather any supporting information.

 

Your application is then reviewed by your local Branch and the Police Federation Claims Department at Federation Headquarters. If funding is approved, independent solicitors will be instructed to assess the case and provide advice or representation where appropriate.

 

Throughout the process, your case is kept under review to ensure it continues to meet the funding criteria. As every case is different, funding decisions are made on an individual basis and the Police Federation retains discretion over whether legal assistance is provided.

 

How do I get support on other matters?

 

If you need support or advice on any issue, please contact your local Federation branch. A Federation representative will be able to assist you and guide you through the support available.

 

You can find your local branch contact details on our website: https://polfed.org/aboutus/contact-us/

 

Areas where you may be eligible to apply for support

 

EMPLOYMENT

 

Pay, allowances, expenses or pensions

 

• For example, if you believe you have been underpaid, have not received the correct allowance for a specialist role, are disputing travel expenses, or have questions about your pension benefits.

 

Terms and conditions of service

 

• For example, concerns about being repeatedly rostered onto cancelled rest days, changes to shift patterns without proper notice, being denied annual leave, or being directed to carry out duties you believe are outside your role or contrary to regulations.

 

Discrimination, whistleblowing or victimisation

 

• For example, if you feel you have been treated unfairly because of a protected characteristic, have experienced bullying or harassment at work, or believe you have been disadvantaged after raising concerns about wrongdoing or misconduct.

 

Pension or medical appeals, including injury benefits

 

• For example, appealing a decision relating to medical retirement, challenging the level of an injury award, or disputing a decision about your eligibility for an injury benefit or pension entitlement.

 

PERSONAL INJURY

 

Claims for injuries sustained on or off duty

 

• For example, an officer injured while making an arrest, involved in a road traffic collision in a police vehicle, bitten by a police dog during training, or injured in a nonwork-related accident caused by someone else's negligence.

 

Claims involving a member's family member

 

• For example, a spouse or child injured in a road traffic collision, an accident in a public place, or a claim brought on behalf of a family member who has died as a result of another person's negligence.

 

Clinical negligence claims

• For example, where a member or family member has suffered harm due to a delayed diagnosis, surgical error, incorrect treatment, medication error, or poor medical care provided by a healthcare professional or organisation.

 

CRIME AND MISCONDUCT

 

Criminal proceedings arising from policing duties

 

• For example, following an arrest where a complaint of assault is made against an officer, a police pursuit that results in a serious collision, or an allegation that an officer used excessive force while carrying out their duties.

 

Criminal proceedings arising while off duty

• For example, where an officer intervenes in an incident while off duty, identifies themselves as a police officer and is subsequently accused of an offence, or where an allegation is made solely because of the individual's status as a police officer.

 

Misconduct, performance or attendance proceedings

• For example, being investigated for an alleged breach of the Standards of Professional Behaviour, facing allegations relating to social media use, honesty and integrity, or challenging an unsatisfactory performance or attendance process linked to capability or sickness absence.

 

DEFAMATION AND PRIVACY

 

• Pre-publication advice

For example, if a media organisation intends to publish allegations about your conduct as a police officer and legal advice is needed before publication.

 

• Defamation, privacy or breach of confidence matters

For example, where false allegations about you are published online or in the media, private information is disclosed without your permission, or confidential information about you is improperly shared.

 

• Defamation relating to your role as a police officer

For example, if a newspaper, website or social media post falsely accuses you of misconduct, corruption, dishonesty, abuse of authority, or otherwise calls into question your integrity or fitness to serve as a police officer.

 

MISCELLANEOUS

 

• Appeals against court or tribunal decisions

For example, if you wish to challenge the outcome of a court case, employment tribunal, pension appeal or other legal proceeding that falls within the PFEW Fund Rules.

 

• Inquests, inquiries and other proceedings

For example, being asked to give evidence at a Coroner's Inquest following a death, appearing before a public inquiry, or participating in a hearing linked to an incident you were involved in while on duty.

 

• Damage to personal property while on duty

For example, claiming for personal items damaged in the course of your duties, such as prescription glasses broken during an arrest, a mobile phone damaged at an incident, or personal clothing damaged while responding to an emergency.

 

• Negligence claims relating to legal assistance

For example, where it is alleged that legal advice or representation previously funded under the PFEW Rules was provided negligently and has caused loss or harm.

 

• Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) reviews and appeals

For example, if your CICA claim has been rejected or you disagree with the level of compensation awarded following a criminal injury and wish to challenge the decision.

 

What support is not usually covered?

Police Federation support and legal assistance are provided in accordance with the Fund Rules and funding criteria, so not every matter will qualify for funding. Examples include:

 

• Issues outside the PFEW Fund Rules

For example, disputes with neighbours, landlord and tenant issues, consumer complaints, or private business disputes.

 

• Personal legal matters unrelated to policing

For example, divorce and child custody proceedings, property disputes, debt recovery, bankruptcy matters, or writing a will.

 

• Cases where there is insufficient evidence to support the claim

For example, alleging workplace discrimination without any supporting evidence or documentation, or making a claim where key facts cannot be substantiated

• Legal action with little or no reasonable prospect of success

For example, pursuing a court claim that legal advisers consider unlikely to succeed based on the available evidence or law.

• Matters where funding has not been approved

For example, instructing a solicitor independently before obtaining Federation approval and then seeking reimbursement.

• Cases that no longer meet the funding criteria

For example, where new evidence emerges during a claim that changes the circumstances, or where a member no longer satisfies the relevant funding requirements.

 

As every case is different, members should speak to their local Federation representative for advice on the support available and whether their circumstances may qualify for assistance.

 

How can I appeal a funding decision?

If your application for legal assistance funding is declined, you can ask for the decision to be reviewed. The exact process will depend on the circumstances of your case and the reason the application was refused.

 

As a first step, speak to your local Federation representative or Branch office. They can explain why the application was unsuccessful, discuss whether any additional information could support your case, and advise you on the options available for requesting a review of the decision.