West Midlands Police Federation workplace representative Mick Woods has vowed to champion his colleagues’ cause as the pressures faced by officers continue to grow.

Mick, a custody sergeant, became a Fed rep in 2019 when he felt there was a gap and a need for a rep in custody and since then has undergone Police Federation training plus a health and safety course at the head office in Leatherhead. He also serves on the national custody board and is a member of the health and safety committee.

He said he was proud to get re-elected last year after being nominated for a second term by members.

Mick explained: “I wanted to become a Federation representative to help officers who were in need, to prevent injustice and to hold the Force to account for its decision-making to ensure the welfare of officers was at the forefront of any decision-making process.

“I’m a very approachable, proactive Federation representative and I try my best to serve officers, to help them and to stand up for their rights.

“I have helped a number of officers over the years for a variety of things and for some officers just knowing that there is someone there, that someone had their back and listens means everything to them.”

Mick said he particularly enjoyed championing the cause for colleagues and making them feel valued which, he admitted, in the current climate was quite difficult amid the stresses and pressures of policing.

“The biggest challenge I face is balancing my Federation role with my full-time police role as there is so much more I feel I could bring to the role but I’m constrained by the hours I work and my shift pattern,” he said.

“I personally believe there should be more full-time Federation representatives, particularly in certain departments, as there is a great need for them and the work we do can often prevent long-term issues.

“The greatest reward for me is the appreciation you get from officers and knowing you are doing a role that makes a difference to so many people.”

Mick joined West Midlands Police in 2003 and was originally posted to C Unit Response at Wednesfield on the G2. He has since served with offender management teams, CID and the PPU and before taking up his current role as a sergeant in custody.

He said became a police officer because he felt the career in the Force would offer him the opportunity to make a difference.

“I’ve always had a strong belief that just one person can make the biggest difference and it is that mindset and passion that I have carried with me throughout my service,” he said.

Mick predicted the increasing demands of policing and the pressures involved would continue to have an impact on Federation members in the future.

He said: “It has almost become the norm to cancel rest days and for officers to carry unrealistic workloads. This is making the role of a Federation representative more difficult as officers welfare does not seem to be a priority.”

He urged new officers just coming into policing to make contact with the Police Federation.

Mick said: “My advice for them is that there are a number of Federation representatives who are there to help you.

“Get to know them. Use them. Don’t struggle in silence. We want to help in any way we can.”