Nicky supporting officers at Commonwealth Games

2 August 2022

Police Federation Welsh lead Nicky Ryan is at the Commonwealth Games to support members alongside workplace reps from the North Wales and Dyfed Powys branches who are in Birmingham with their welfare vans.

The Federation said it was making sure its members had round-the-clock access to its services throughout the Games which opened last week and run until Sunday 7 August.

Workplace reps are on hand 24/7 with Hertfordshire, Norfolk, Humberside and West Midlands branches also at the Games with their welfare vans.

Nicky Ryan (right) and Jayne Humphreys from North Wales Police Federation with Nina Nannar from ITN who stopped to say hello when passing.

Nicky said the reps were working closely with the Operation Unity team to try to resolve any issues as and when they arise.

She said: “People ask what we are here for, and the answer is everything. We will do whatever we can to fix any problems that might arise. If we can’t fix it, we will escalate the issue and take it to the highest level to seek a solution for our officers working here.

“There have been some issues along the way, but we are doing what we can to round off those edges to take away some of the pressure and prevent these becoming blockers to the work that needs to be done.

“It’s also about highlighting these potential problems before they become bigger and to make sure that the hard-working officers don’t have to experience any unnecessary stress.

“We are here to help, whatever that help may look like.”

The Commonwealth Games security operation is the biggest in the history of West Midlands Police with tens of thousands of people either taking part or watching.  

Nicky said: “Every day here is a little bit different, and we are working in a city that we do not know, but the West Midlands officers and staff are just amazing. They are so welcoming and have been very kind to us.

“The days are long and there is lots to do but being here is great and we have had some really positive feedback about the welfare vans.

“The work will really start as the Games go on, but we are very much enjoying being here.”