Branch secretary Lesley Williams says the Federation is working closely with the Force, as it is confirmed that some of its neighbourhood policing output would be delivered differently so services could be optimised for the needs of local communities.

These changes mainly take shape in the county of Shropshire, where two local policing areas (Shropshire and Telford and Wrekin) have been merged into one (Shropshire and Telford), and, as a result, various areas have been reinforced with additional officers.

Telford’s safer neighbourhood teams (SNTs) in Newport, and Kelly and Oakengates have gained a new PC each, while Wellington now has its own dedicated town centre team, made up of two PCs.

The Force described the new structure as ‘designed to strengthen resilience, improve coordination and ensure resources are focused where they are needed most’.

While recognising the importance of these objectives, Lesley outlined the need to protect officers from being negatively impacted by an updated model.

“We know that policing must continue to adapt to meet evolving demands, which is why we have engaged closely with the Force throughout the development and implementation of these changes,” she said.

Feedback

“Within that, we have provided constructive feedback and raised concerns on behalf of any officers and staff affected.

“We have also supported our members in relation to posting decisions, particularly where changes have impacted factors such as travel time, reasonable adjustments, flexible working adjustments and existing restrictions.

“Organisational change must be implemented fairly, lawfully and in line with legislation and Force policy, with appropriate consideration given to individual circumstances. It’s our job as a Federation to hold them accountable in this respect and be that voice that will stand up for you if anything has fallen below these rules and expectations.”

A decision to depart from the previous operating model – which had been in place since 2018 – was taken after public feedback highlighted several ways to enhance how it functions and meets demand, the Force also revealed.

Additionally, the changes are argued to support both local and national policing aims, such as West Mercia’s Police and Crime Commissioner's Safer Communities Plan and the Government’s Neighbourhood Policing Guarantee.

Wellbeing

Lesley continued: “A strong and well-coordinated neighbourhood policing structure is vital to maintain public confidence, but what works for the public needs to work for the officers too.

“And not just in a practical sense – effective policing can’t happen if officer wellbeing and morale aren’t considered. Change like this can always be unsettling, so I think it’s crucial our members know they can always reach out to us with any worries or difficulties they may be having as they adapt to this new model.”

During this transition period, Lesley made clear that the branch will continue to work constructively with the Force to ensure the new structure delivers its intended benefits without compromising fairness, dignity and respect for Federation members.

She ended: “We know these changes are not made lightly or to be altered again any time soon, and the Force has stated that they will provide a stable, long-term framework that better supports officers and staff while maintaining a high standard of service for the public.

“In the immediate future and beyond, we will work to ensure this vision is stuck to in its entirety – even when things may seem more settled, because our members deserve our backing every step of the way.”

READ MORE: 'Reform changes need to work for our officers'.