Could you be a Fed rep?

17 December 2024

Members are being encouraged to take part in the Police Federation elections – either by putting themselves forward for election as a workplace representative or just by voting for their preferred candidates.

The nationwide election process starts at the end of December and all stages will be completed by 1 October 2025 when the new National Board will be in place.

Tim Rogers, secretary of West Midlands Police Federation, is urging all members to find out more about the election process and consider putting themselves forward as a candidate in the elections.

“The Federation provides a critical role within the Force, representing its members, negotiating on their behalf and seeking to influence key decision-makers such as the Chief Constable, the Police and Crime Commissioner and the Government,” he explains.

“The Federation gives members a voice. On a daily basis it provides help and support to members, helping those going through conduct proceedings, for example, or giving advice on Police Regulations. While the role of a workplace representative can be demanding and challenging, it is also incredibly rewarding knowing that you can help a colleague in their time of need.

“All workplace representatives undertake training with the Federation and the skills they learn can also help them in their day-to-day policing role.

Elections

“I hope that as many members as possible will take an interest in the elections and find out more about the role of the Federation and how they can get involved. People often stand on the outside, criticising the actions of others but if you want to bring about change you need to get involved, and help be a driver for the change you want to see.

“Even if you decide not to put yourself forward as a candidate, then please make sure you vote for your preferred workplace representatives, the branch chair and, later next year, the national chair.”

The Force’s constables, sergeants and inspecting ranks, as well as Specials, can stand in the local workplace representative elections, with successful candidates being given the opportunity to represent, support and negotiate on key issues for their colleagues.

Nominees are being sought for the upcoming elections for positions across the Force area with nominations opening on 30 December and closing just over three weeks later on 24 January 2025. Voting will take place between 3 and 23 February and the results will be announced on 27 February.

Workplace reps

Information on the first round of elections for workplace reps, including how to self-nominate and how to vote, will be emailed to all members.

Any Federation member - from PC to chief inspector, and including Specials - can nominate themselves and stand for election as a workplace rep. Successful candidates automatically becoming part of their local Branch Council. From there, they can stand to be on the local Branch Board, then stand for a regional or a national role if they wish.

Federation branches across the country are making a special plea to members from under-represented groups to consider putting themselves forward to become reps to help better reflect the diversity of the membership.

Find out more about the role of a workplace representative.

More details about the elections can be found on Pages 10 to 12 of the latest edition of our members’ magazine, Federation.