Officer welfare put to the fore in huge policing operations

14 June 2021

West Midlands Police Federation chair Jon Nott says he’s pleased officers’ needs and welfare are being considered by the organisers of two huge events.

Glasgow is set to host the UN’s Climate Change Conference (COP26) later this year while Birmingham is due to stage the Commonwealth Games next year.

Jon was part of a round table discussion at the Federation’s annual conference last week about mutual aid – the provision of policing assistance from one force to another – during which the welfare of officers working at the two events was discussed.

Jon was joined by the Federation’s national treasurer Simon Kempton and the Scottish Police Federation’s Gordon Forsyth, assistant to the general secretary (health and safety), for the discussion.

Speaking after the conference, Jon said: “What was pleasing to hear from both speakers was that the Gold Commander from both operations is putting officer welfare as a priority for these deployments.

“These should be two completely different styles of operations – the Commonwealth Games should be a real community engagement type operation.

“I’ve personally visited all of the proposed accommodation sites for mutual aid officers and all are single occupancy en suite rooms with hot catering facilities on site.

“The Force has also secured venues near to the deployment sites that officers can go to while on their rest break. This is out of view of the public and will be somewhere they can switch off and relax while on their break and getting their mid-shift meal.

“There will be support for officers at both deployments from Federation reps and welfare vans and, in terms of COP26, there will be dual support due to Scotland having different laws and regulations.

“It’s pleasing to see both operations have engaged with the Federation so early on to try to ensure officers needs and welfare are considered and that they can learn from previous deployment to try to make it easier and smoother for officers coming on mutual aid, deployed to the games and carrying on with policing the Force area.”

The discussion also covered changes to and issues involving mutual aid which need clarifying. These included accommodation, allowances, kit, and subsistence, while vaccinations, social distancing and Covid-secure measures were among the topics addressed.

Simon said many members do not see or understand the work and pre-planning done by Fed reps about mutual aid.

He said: “Mutual aid is not a jolly – our members need to be valued. It’s about the Fed challenging – in some cases the planners’ assumptions are wrong, and it’s the Fed who are the useful critical friend to get the best outcome for members.

“It’s about making sure solicitors, reps and welfare support are available on the ground.”

Simon said the key to mutual aid was down to three main factors - “Get the money right, get the accommodation right and get the food right.”

He also explained members’ confusion over overnight allowances was commonplace, and that being away from home was not enough to qualify for the allowance.

But he added: “Mutual aid should mean overnight allowance. It’s been £50 for too long – it’s out of date. There should be a two-tier overnight allowance and, if members are held in reserve, they should get more than that.

“At PFEW, we’re not going to stop pushing the Home Office and chiefs. It is only right members should feel valued.”