Nicky discusses current issues with MS

11 November 2021

The Police Federation’s Welsh lead discussed some of the key issues facing members during her latest meeting with politicians.

Nicky Ryan spoke to Mabon ap Gwynfor, the Plaid Cymru Member of the Senedd (MS) for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, about the Police Covenant, Covid vaccines and Special Constables, among other issues, during an online meeting.

 “I’m really grateful to Mabon for giving me his time,” said Nicky, “These meetings are invaluable in building relationships with our elected representatives in Wales and in highlighting some of the key issues facing the Federation and our members.”

Nicky briefed Mabon on the Police Federation and its structure across the 43 police forces in England and Wales.

They talked about the Covid vaccine roll-out and the fact officers were not offered priority to receive their jabs.

Nicky said: “I discussed the disappointment that officers felt the way that the vaccines were administered to them, and that I hoped officers would not be disadvantaged in receiving their booster.”

They also discussed the Police Covenant, which is included in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill currently going through Parliament.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has campaigned for the covenant to ensure welfare of officers, police staff and their families is placed under regular Parliamentary scrutiny.

It will provide serving officers and former police personnel with long-term support and protection. It will focus on health and wellbeing, the physical protections officers need on the job and support for families.

Part of the discussion was around priority NHS treatment for officers hurt in the line of duty.

Nicky said: “Mabon was particularly interested in the covenant and the numbers of officers who would benefit from priority treatment on the NHS, should this happen.”

The meeting covered the role of Special Constables and the provision in the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Bill for them to become Federation members.

Nicky said: “I explained the role of the Special Constable and that Andy Dunbobbin, the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Wales Police, had committed to paying their Federation subs once this comes into legislation.

“Mabon was interested in how Special Constables are used in policing and how they’re an integral part of the policing family.

“Nationally, Special Constables gave more than 2.9 million hours to policing in 2020, which is amazing.”

Nicky added: “Mabon asked about Police Community Support Officers (PCSOs). I explained they were UNISON members but, like our Special Constables, an integral part of the policing family. 

“I explained that many people use the PCSO role to learn about policing and the culture prior to applying to become an officer.

“At the same time, there are many who are fulfilled being PCSO and providing the visible service and reassurance to their communities.

“I explained that the police have a responsibility to ensure they’re used within the powers that are bestowed on them and not to misuse them to cover gaps in the service, and Mabon was alive to this drawing the comparison with teaching and teaching assistants.”