Fed chair welcomes opportunity to raise concerns at national level

21 November 2024

Steve Butler has welcomed the opportunity to raise any issues and concerns he has during national Federation meetings.

The chair of West Mercia Police Federation is speaking after the most recent National Council meeting, in which he presented several questions to the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).

The agenda, including Steve’s questions, has since been posted publicly online, which has prompted him to comment on his passion for creating a transparent and honest Federation. 

“I’d like to start by saying I have no problem with the questions I asked during the latest National Council meeting being posted publicly,” said Steve.

“Everyone is entitled to an opinion. And I feel that having challenging conversations comes with being a member of the National Council. At the end of the day, we are all there to represent our members - whether that’s locally or nationally - and having difficult discussions is not just part of our role, it’s our duty.

Transparency

“However, I must be clear - my questions were not asked by way of causing any conflict. That was not and is not my intention. I simply believe in honesty and transparency.”

Steve said that as chair of West Mercia Police Federation, it is his responsibility to be a ‘critical friend’ against the Force, challenging senior officers when necessary - and will do the same to the Federation.

“I stand by the questions I asked,” he continued, adding: “I believe the national Federation should be transparent, as should all West Mercia Police Federation, as well as fellow branches across England and Wales.

“And I would welcome challenges from our branch members and my fellow Fed representatives, should they want to raise their concerns with me.”

READ MORE: 'Protracted police misconduct investigations are a drain on the public purse' - Fed chair.