West Mercia officers taking part in national Federation conference

10 June 2021

West Mercia Police Federation representatives and police officers have joined colleagues from across the country for this year’s annual national conference.

Policing Under Pressure is the theme of the Police Federation of England and Wales first online annual conference, which started yesterday.

The two-day event shines a light on the issues that matter to officers and will include contributions from West Mercia officers.

Steve Butler, West Mercia Police Federation secretary, will be joined by Force colleagues PCs Charlotte Davis and Rich Hughes for a discussion on Day 2 of the conference in a session called Wellbeing – Whose Responsibility Is It?

They will be joined by Hayley Aley, the Federation’s national wellbeing chair, Belinda Goodwin, national Federation wellbeing secretary and Andy Rhodes, the director of the National Police Wellbeing Service.

Facilitated by TV and radio presenter Ian Collins, highlights on Day 1 included a discussion on Policing Under Pressure with policing minister Kit Malthouse, shadow policing minister Sarah Jones, Martin Hewitt, chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, and Sir Thomas Winsor, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary.

TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith spoke to some of the nominees for the Police Bravery Awards, there was an update on pay, conditions and pensions facilitated by former political spin doctor and recent Good Morning Britain host, Alastair Campbell, and national chair John Apter made a keynote speech alongside Home Secretary Priti Patel.

Day 2 highlights include discussions on Trial by Media, Policing Protests and Understanding Misogyny in Policing.

West Mercia Police Federation chair Sarah Cooper said: “Our annual conference is a crucial event in our calendar and, after a tumultuous year on the frontline, it will highlight some of the issues officers have faced.

“Conference allows us to come together to discuss the issues that matter to our members and to celebrate the great work and achievements of the last year and more.”