Minister agrees to discuss Police Covenant with Federation

29 January 2023

Welsh social justice minister Jane Hutt has agreed to meet Police Federation officials to discuss the implementation of the Police Covenant in Wales after concerns about its progress were raised in the Senedd.

The Police Covenant was enshrined in law as part of the Police, Crime, Sentencing and Courts Act 2022 and is the UK Government’s pledge to recognise the bravery, commitment and sacrifices of those who work or have worked in policing.

But Alun Davies, Labour MS for Blaenau Gwent, said some of the commitments contained within the covenant were not being met.

He told a Senedd plenary session: “I had a meeting with the Police Federation and I was quite disturbed to hear that they felt there was a great deal of inertia involved in the delivery of the covenant and there are a number of services which are not being delivered to police officers as part of this process.

“Would the minister be prepared to meet with me and the Police Federation to discuss these concerns and also to ensure that the needs of those who protect us are absolutely at the core of what the Welsh Government does moving forward?”

Ms Hutt said she would meet Federation representatives to discuss their concerns.

She told the Senedd: “The Welsh Government is closely involved in the development of the Police Covenant including through membership of the Covenant Oversight Group which is chaired by the UK Government policing minister.”

Police Federation Welsh lead Nicky Ryan said she would be happy to meet the minister.

She said: “We are lucky enough to have good relations with a broad cross-party selection of politicians and they are always interested in policing in Wales and the work of the Police Federation here.

“The Police Covenant was a flagship policy for the UK Home Office and we want to make sure it contains tangible benefits for our members and receive what they were promised when it was announced.”