‘Officers deserve proper support’

16 April 2026

Having had times in his own career where he needed professional advice and representation, one of West Midlands Police Federation’s newest workplace representatives believes it is incredibly important for officers to feel supported, properly advised and fairly treated.

But Simon Hill freely admits that it can be hard to juggle his ‘day job’ as a response sergeant at Bournville Lane police station with his voluntary work as a Federation rep.

Nevertheless, he is committed to ensuring that he gives members the support they deserve.

“The most challenging aspect so far is balancing my full-time role as a response sergeant with ensuring I am available and accessible to members who need support. Frontline policing is demanding, and the pace rarely slows,” says Simon, who was elected as a rep in the latest branch elections in July last year.

“However, representation requires time, focus and proper preparation. It’s important to me that when a member seeks advice, they receive my full attention and considered guidance. Officers deserve proper support, not rushed conversations, and I take that responsibility seriously.

Objective

“Officers deserve to understand the procedures they are subject to, and they deserve representation that is calm, objective and grounded in regulation.

“When navigating complex procedures or uncertain outcomes, having knowledgeable representation makes a significant difference both professionally and personally.

“My aim is to ensure members are treated fairly and proportionately, and that procedures are applied consistently. One of the most important part of the role is ensuring officers understand the process and do not feel isolated.”

He adds: “I also encourage early advice, engaging at the earliest stage can often prevent unnecessary escalation and reduce stress.”

While Simon is only a relatively short time into his Fed rep role, he has been able to offer support to members through conduct investigations, performance processes and regulatory matters.

Challenge

“I have found that sometimes representation requires firm challenge; at other times it requires measured guidance and reassurance. Knowing when each is appropriate is key,” he admits.

Simon is already finding the role rewarding.

“It is good to see a member regain confidence after a difficult period. Whether that is resolving a matter fairly, returning to full duties or simply feeling reassured that their position has been properly represented, knowing you have helped someone navigate a challenging time makes the additional workload worthwhile,” he explains.

His decision to put himself forward as a Fed rep came from his strong beliefs in fairness, due process and proportionality: “Having worked across response, traffic, custody and immigration enforcement and now as a response sergeant, I have seen first hand the pressures officers face. I wanted to ensure colleagues had someone approachable who would listen, give honest advice and stand beside them when needed.”

Support

Alongside his operational role, Simon is studying law with the Open University with that academic perspective deepening his understanding of legal process, accountability and litigation, and complementing his ability to support members.

He joined the Force in October 2003, having started his policing career with Hertfordshire Police.

Simon served with the Royal Navy and remembers seeing a police recruitment advert featuring the boxer Lennox Lewis.

“It genuinely sparked something in me,” he recalls, “The message about resilience, strength of character and stepping forward into challenge resonated strongly.

“I had already been serving, but policing felt like a different kind of service; one rooted directly in communities, where decisions have immediate impact. It wasn’t just about enforcement. It was about responsibility, presence and standing up when it matters. That advert stayed with me, and ultimately it influenced my decision to pursue a career in policing.”

Experience

His first posting within West Midlands Police was at Longbridge Police Station on E1 OCU, working on response. He has worked predominantly in frontline policing throughout his career, including roles in response, traffic and custody, giving him with broad operational experience.

Simon also spent some years working within immigration enforcement, which expanded his experience in investigative casework, evidential standards and regulatory frameworks, and also gave him a different perspective on enforcement, governance and proportionality, which continues to inform his approach to policing today.

Looking ahead, he says there are challenges ahead for the Force. With demand remaining high and the complexity of incidents continuing to increase, he believes supporting officer welfare while maintaining operational effectiveness will remain a key challenge.

“Clear communication, consistent decision making and strong leadership will be essential in sustaining morale and public confidence,” Simon argues.

Meanwhile, he says it is vital the Federation ensures accessibility, transparency and visible support for members. Officers need to know the Federation is approachable, proactive and prepared to engage constructively when required.

Beyond the Force, the police service, Simon explains, must tackle the issues of recruitment, retention and public confidence.

He concludes: “Policing operates under intense public scrutiny, and officers are subject to critique on a daily basis. While accountability is essential in maintaining trust, the volume and immediacy of criticism can at times feel overwhelming for those working on the frontline.

“Supporting officers within that environment, ensuring they feel valued, fairly treated and properly led, will be critical. Maintaining high professional standards while also protecting morale and wellbeing is one of the key challenges facing policing today.”