Conference review: Welsh lead disappointed in Home Secretary’s inability to sign off Elizabeth Medal

17 October 2023

The Welsh lead for the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) says she felt disheartened after Home Secretary Suella Braverman failed to sign off a posthumous medal for fallen officers following the Welsh Government’s official backing of the campaign.

Like so many, Nicky Ryan says she was optimistic that Ms Braverman would sign off the Federation’s ‘Medals for Heroes’ campaign during her keynote speech at this year’s PFEW annual conference, and admits she was left ‘frustrated’ when this did not happen.

“It’s a shame that we weren’t able to take away the news so many of us have been campaigning for,” said Nicky, who recently voiced her delight that the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford had officially thrown the Welsh Government’s support behind the campaign.

“We were all disappointed, and none more so than Bryn Hughes MBE who had travelled to conference especially to talk about the campaign that he is so heavily involved in.

“The Home Secretary’s speech seemed a little too scripted for my liking. I just hope that she starts to take action now and finally begin to demonstrate she does support police officers.”

Head and shoulders photo of PFEW Welsh lead Nicky Ryan

Nicky Ryan, the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) Welsh lead, was disheartened by Suella Braverman's speech to conference.

Speaking about the two-day event Nicky heaped praise on the agenda, adding that it was a ‘fantastic opportunity’ to highlight some of the most important issues police officers currently face.

“From start to finish, there were some great discussions, debates and conversations going on, which I hope gave our members an insight into what we’re doing behind the scenes to improve their Federation,” continued Nicky.

“And it was great to see a few Welsh representatives getting involved too.”

Day one of the agenda saw national secretary Calum Macleod give an update. In his speech, highlighted the multiple challenges today’s officers are facing, including pay, scrutiny and lack of support.

Calum also helped close the conference during a live question and answer session, which saw members of the national board take questions from viewing members.

Day two included the ‘Industrial rights’ session, featuring a short video from Steve Treharne, chair of South Wales Federation featured in the ‘Industrial rights’ session, when he urged members to “think seriously” and cast a vote in the forthcoming ballot on industrial rights.

Steve explained that the ballot gives members a voice on whether the Federation should seek industrial rights for officers.

Across the two days, discussions and debates were held around leadership in policing, misogyny, wellbeing and retirement.

During the question and answer session that concluded the event, Nicky, who is also national Specials Constabulary lead for the PFEW was praised by Steve Hartshorn for her work with Specials.

“Nicky Ryan has been hosting online events [for Special Constables] and these have had a fantastic take up across the country,” said Steve, before he encouraged Special Constables to get involved and furthermore, to become a Fed rep.

This came after a viewing member asked: ‘given that Special Constables are now able to be full members of the Federation for some time, what are the plans to drive representation of Special Constables at a national level?’

To which national deputy chair Tiff Lynch said: “Special Constables have a huge part to play within policing and the Federation.

“I’m so pleased to say we’re getting more and more Specials joining the Federation but we still need to increase that figure. I would love to say we have 100 per cent of Special Constables signing up for the Federation.”

Nicky admitted that while she missed the opportunity network with colleagues in-person, she felt the online format worked and gave all members the opportunity to be involved, whether they were located.

“It’s not easy to travel to a completely different part of the country - and for those in Wales, a different country - for a full two days,” added Nicky.

“Having the event online not just saved the Federation thousands of pounds - at an extremely challenging financial time - but gave all members the opportunity to experience conference and be part of the conversation.

“It was brilliant to see so many members getting involved and sending their questions to the various panels.”