Newly elected Fed rep makes promises to members
15 May 2025
New workplace representative Leon Allen has outlined his commitment to helping Federation members be ‘100 per cent themselves’ as police officers.
Having started his rep role in March, Leon has already taken on branch cases after being elected earlier this year and he is busy in Force too after being promoted to sergeant.
He describes the start to his cop career as ‘unusual’, as from an early age his view on policing was ‘not the most positive’.
“Growing up mainly in Northfield, I remember a gang and drug culture in the area, which meant the police were around a lot. I got used to seeing people take an oppositional stance towards them, and I think that probably rubbed off on me,” he said.
Journey of discovery
“But, as I got older, I began wanting to question if the attitude I had was fair, and to see what the barriers really were when they had to make an unpopular decision, for instance.
“And it’s fair to say I have learnt all about that and much more – it’s been a real journey of discovery for me in policing, and I’m excited for that to continue.”
During his seven years with the Force, Leon, 27, stepped up as an acting sergeant twice before his permanent promotion to the rank.
Internally, however, there was a period where he lost his spark, following unclear communication from the Force on promotion and temporary processes after he was restored as a constable.
New work rep Leon Allen.
Exacerbated by Leon’s autism and ADHD, this uncertainty eventually led to him taking a three-month mental health break from work. It was only when he returned that matters began to improve.
“I felt like I’d been treated unfairly because when you act up in rank, the least you expect is some clarity on where you’re at with your overall progression,” he continued.
“That didn’t come though and, after everything I’d given as an acting sergeant, it was a massive blow.
“When I came back to work, I went directly to the Chief Constable, which resulted in a pathway of open and honest communication with an Assistant Chief Constable – and that was exactly what I needed to feel heard.
“But, looking back, I wasn’t aware of how the Federation could help with diversity, equality and inclusion (DEI). Perhaps if I’d sought this support, I wouldn’t have had to make these difficult conversations on my own or even had to take my break.”
Neurodiversity
Now, Leon says he wants to help colleagues going through similar situations by being as visible as possible as a rep.
He has already reached out to the Force’s neurodiversity network with the aim of helping members secure reasonable adjustments according to DEI.
“I know what it’s like to feel lost in this job I otherwise loved, and I want to support anyone else feeling the same,” Leon explained.
“When I was in that place, I think I was too focused on the Fed only being for when you’re in trouble – but people need to know it’s for much more than that.
“If something is stopping you from being 100 per cent yourself at work, that’s enough of a problem. I’d like it if members with those worries could think, ‘oh, I can go to Leon – he will understand’.”
In addition to his focus on DEI matters, Leon is keen to develop his knowledge and skills to handle all types of cases as a workplace rep.
Workplace rep
He has set out three pledges to members.
“Firstly, I can promise open and honest conversations, which I have already touched on as being so beneficial for me,” he explained. “My second principle is that I will always try to be available for you and, if I can’t, I will endeavour to make the time.
“And my third is around my dedication to you – if I say I will do something, I will do it. I know how important it is to have that certainty from someone you put faith and trust into.
“Back when my beliefs were still shaped by my youth, one of the first things I discovered as a new officer was that the foundation of policing is cops on the ground supporting each other.
“I want to take that same learning and apply it to the months and years ahead as Fed rep, which I am very excited about.”
