Wiltshire's Chair's Response to Channel 4's Report

26 July 2024

Like myself. I am sure you will have seen the report on Channel 4 around the Police Federation of England and Wales in turmoil.

I wanted to tell you my thoughts on this. I am your chair for Wiltshire, and I am a member of the national council as part of that role. I watched this report, and it did nothing but make me sad. You hear from an embittered ex secretary who was legitimately exited from the Federation after an investigation into his conduct. I would ask you to consider, if this individual really cared about the membership as he claimed he does, why on earth would you partake in such a report that seeks to undo the very support our membership requires. I will be clear when I say the Federation is a better place without his negativity.

I will comment on the actions of our CEO Mukund Krishna. The Federation is a business run by elected police officers. The professional assistance of Mukund is invaluable to the evolution of the national Federation. I can tell you with certainty, his appointment as CEO was a fair and transparent process. Those negatively commenting about your Federation are simply fearful of change and want the Federation to stay as it always was. Policing is evolving and we must evolve with it, Failure to do so will fail to support our members.

I support the PFEW in its purpose and mission. I support Mukund and his team, and I want to go on record to tell you that all the services you expect from your Federation continue. Your national board work hard to negotiate the best possible terms and conditions with government. Your local Chairs and Secretaries continue to do the same in your force with your senior leaders. Your workplace reps will continue to represent you in all you need.

Your Federation remains the single voice of policing and we have your back.

To those choosing to take out their petty gripes by besmirching the organisation they claim to be passionate about, I say shame on you.

As your Chair in Wiltshire, I give you my assurance that we are full steam ahead, change comes and we embrace it and evolve with it and I will continue to do all I can to assist in making your working day the best it can be. The job you do deserves better than this sad bitterness but the few.

Stay safe out there.

Phil  Matthews-Dawson
Chair,

Wiltshire Police Federation

Conduct and Performance Advocate

Equality and Diversity Practitioner

 Internal: 77432566

Mobile 07927211935

philip.matthews@wiltshire.police.uk

Phil.Matthews-Dawson@wilts.polfed.org
Wiltshire Police Headquarters, London Road, Devizes.