Be part of the Federation elections process

23 December 2024

All Federation members – whether content or discontent with the work of the staff association – should engage with the forthcoming elections, says the chair of West Mercia Police Federation.

The nationwide election process starts at the end of this month, so now is the time for anyone considering become a Federation representative, or maybe just questioning the support the Federation offers, to start thinking about putting themselves forward for election, according to Steve Butler.

“Often the very best workplace representatives are those who have been supported through conduct proceedings or other work issues by the Federation. They feel they want to give something back and offer that same support to their colleagues,” he explains.

“I think this is a great reason for members to get more involved with the Federation. But I would also like to see some of those who are critical of the Federation getting more involved too. It’s all too easy to stand on the sidelines, decrying what the Federation does or doesn’t do, but how about being part of the change you want to see within the organisation?

“I have real admiration for those who are prepared not just to criticise from the outside but actually get involved on the inside. They can then bring forward their criticisms and help drive any changes they want to see.

“I would say to any member who has received good service from the Federation in the past, please consider standing to become a workplace rep in the elections, but I also want to hear from any member who feels dissatisfied with the Federation and therefore wants to be a Fed rep.

Elections

“Anyone interested in standing for election can find out more by speaking to their existing workplace rep, or contact the office team.”

Federation branches across the country are making a special plea to members from under-represented groups to consider putting themselves forward to become reps to help better reflect the diversity of the membership.

Steve is also encouraging all members to vote in the elections.

“Again I would say, it’s no good complaining about the Federation if you haven’t engaged in the election process. We need all members to find out more about who is standing for election and then vote for who they think will give them the best representation,” says Steve.

The nationwide election process starts on 30 December when nominations open for workplace representatives who carry out their Fed role alongside their policing duties.

Nominations close on 24 January with voting open to members from 3 to 23 February. The results of the workplace rep elections will be announced on 27 February.

National Board

The elections will be complete by 1 October 2025 when the new National Board will be in place.

The Force’s constables, sergeants and inspecting ranks, as well as Specials, can stand in the local workplace representative elections with successful candidates becoming part of their local Branch Council. From there, they can stand to be on the Branch Board and then stand for a regional or a national role if they wish.

Information on the first round of elections for workplace reps, including how to self-nominate and how to vote, will be emailed to all members.

As well as being able to vote for their local workplace reps, all members can vote for their local chair in May 2025 and later in the summer the national chair – all through an electronic voting system.

Each of the 43 police forces in England and Wales has a Federation Branch Council made up of all the workplace reps for that force. From the Branch Council, an executive - the Branch Board - is elected, including a secretary and treasurer. Other lead roles include equality, health and safety, and conduct and performance.

Find out more about the role of a workplace rep.

More details about the elections can be found on Page 5 of our winter magazine.

READ MORE: Winter magazine out now.