July eZine - out now!

23 July 2020

Our bi-monthly Federation newsletter eZine gets emailed to members. We'll also let you know when our magazine is published.

Here are the stories covered in our latest edition:

Pay increase is a step in the right direction, says Fed chair
The 2.5 per cent pay award announced by the Government this week is a step in the right direction in terms of getting police officer pay back to where it needs to be after years of below-inflation salary increases, says the chair of West Midlands Police Federation.

Working group will consider pensions challenge
A working group of West Midlands Police Federation representatives has been set up to consider the current situation whereby some members are in the Leigh Day pensions challenge and others have now joined the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) group action.

Pensions consultation
The Government has announced the consultation process on the proposed remedy to the discrimination found in the implementation of the 2015 Career Average Revalued Earnings (CARE) Police Pension Scheme.

Office staff returning to Guardians House
The Federation’s office administration team will be making a staged return to Guardians House from the start of next month.

Federation helps shape Force pandemic recovery
The Federation’s health and safety lead has been at the forefront of efforts to ensure the safety of officers and staff during the pandemic.

New recruits adapt to initial training pandemic style
One of the Force’s new recruits has explained the frustrations of trying to get to grips with his initial training through online learning in his bedroom rather than in a classroom with the rest of his cohort.

DHEP recruit in response role
Beginning any new job is tough, however, starting police life during a global pandemic has provided some very unique challenges indeed.

Retirement seminars re-start
The Federation’s retirement seminars programme has been resumed but with reduced numbers of officers being able to attend and social distancing and other safety measures in place.

George receives Chief Constable’s award
George McDonnell, West Midlands Police Federation’s conduct lead, has been presented with a Chief Constable’s Award in recognition of his dedication to supporting members.

Conference backs £2 rise in Federation subs
Police Federation subscriptions will go up by £2 a month from September this year.

Numbers boost will help fight against knife crime
West Midlands Police Federation chair Jon Nott says the Force’s uplift in new officers will play an important role in helping tackle knife crime.

Roads policing ‘inadequate’
Cuts to roads policing budgets leading to a drop in the number of dedicated roads policing officers have been blamed for a gradual increase in road deaths after more than 30 years of steadily declining fatalities.

Roads policing: have your say
Federation members should make the most of an opportunity to help shape the future of roads policing, says West Midlands Police Federation deputy secretary Tim Rogers.

Officer assaults up, despite fall in crime figures
West Midlands Police Federation chair Jon Nott has expressed his anger and frustration that assaults on police officers and other emergency service workers have continued to increase despite an overall fall in crime.

Sentences could be doubled for officer assaults
Doubling the maximum sentences for offenders convicted of assaulting police officers will only be effective if the courts use the powers available to them, according to West Midlands Police Federation chair Jon Nott.

‘Mental impact of assaults has to be considered’
More emphasis needs to be placed on the psychological impact of assaults on officers, says the deputy chair of West Midlands Police Federation.

Force considers bonus for tutors
The Force Executive is considering the introduction of bonus payments for officers who act as tutors to new recruits.

Flexible working ‘may boost effectiveness’
A dramatic decrease in officer and staff sickness levels during the coronavirus crisis could show that allowing more flexible working patterns and home working could have an impact on the Force’s effectiveness, according to the deputy secretary of West Midlands Police Federation.

Flexible working - guidance
Officers seeking flexible working arrangements need to take into account not only their own needs but also those of the Force when submitting their applications, and should highlight the benefits to both them and the organisation, according to the Federation’s personnel and equality lead.

Use My Time when seeking annual leave
Members are being reminded of the need to apply for annual leave using the My Time portal.

Survey reveals sleep deprivation
Almost half the officers who responded to the first national police wellbeing survey revealed they were getting less than six hours’ sleep a night.

New policy on DSI
Officers involved in any Post-Incident Procedures (PIP) will now be given the protection afforded to those subjected to a firearms PIP.

Regs reminder: short notice change to duties
All officers should receive at least three months’ notice to any changes in duties – unless the Force deems it to be due to exigencies of duty.

GIS travel insurance – important update
We have published an update in relation to the travel insurance cover provided under our Group Insurance Scheme during the pandemic.

Benevolent Fund – helping you in times of need
An update from the fund’s chair, John Williams
It’s been several months now since the Benevolent Fund closed its office to prevent the spread of coronavirus.

Irwin Mitchell – there every step of the way
Irwin Mitchell’s family team has a wealth of experience in dealing with separation, divorce and financial matters. The team has a longstanding relationship with the Police Federation, having supported members with legal issues not only relating to divorce and the financial matters arising from the same (including extensive expertise in police pensions and related issues) but also in respect of matters relating to child arrangements and issues of domestic abuse.

Discounted boots from Altberg
Bootmakers Altberg are offering Police Federation members a discount on their products.

TFS adapts to pandemic
In line with businesses across the UK, our Member Services provider Thomson Financial Solutions Ltd (TFS) has adapted the way it does business to ensure it can continue to provide an effective service for clients.

Get motoring with your Federation
Whether you are looking to buy or lease a new car, rent a vehicle, take out a new motor insurance policy or get your car repaired then don’t go any further without checking out our various Member Services offers.