Chair's Reponse on Police Reform White Paper

26 January 2026

Dear all,

It has been quite a week already.

I wanted to write to you all about the Government's White Paper on policing. For those who look, there has been much on social media about response to this. My position is one of cautious optimism, although there are concerns. We don't have social media channels with reason.

Our Chief Constable has shared her response internally and has broadly welcomed the reforms. She also spoke publicly on BBC Wiltshire about her views. I feel optimistic, as she has said she wants to see the benefits that reform could bring to Wiltshire.

However, Wiltshire Police has already been forced to make major savings because it has been underfunded by the Government. So while I hope Wiltshire will get the support it needs, I remain concerned about whether the resources will actually be there — especially if some services are centralised.

From what I have read, the White Paper does not clearly explain what investment will be provided, or how training and welfare will be supported in individual forces. More detail is needed. Any reform must strengthen what we do locally, not increase pressure on officers and staff.

The White Paper sets out broad ambitions, much of which has been discussed before. What is missing is clear detail on how it will be delivered. That delivery is crucial, because it affects workload, training, and wellbeing. In the end, these factors directly affect the service we can give to the public.

Two areas I raised in my interview on BBC Wiltshire remain a particular concern.

First, the proposal for a “Licence to Practise”. At the moment we do not know what this would involve. It must not become extra paperwork or simply another way to hold officers to account. It cannot work without proper investment, and so far I have not seen a clear case for what benefit it would bring. I am also concerned because in other professions, a licence to practise often means individuals have to pay for it themselves.

Second is the potential for renewing the direct entry for Inspectors and Superintendents. Whilst there may well be some talented people out there, there are talented people with great potential within Wiltshire Police. Added to that they have experience of policing. I have concern that around 50% of police nationally have less than five years service, to bring in leaders who have even less experience risks too much. We need to develop from within.

Overall, police officers already see training cancelled to cover staff shortages, outdated systems slowing investigations, and colleagues carrying workloads that are not sustainable. Reform will not succeed unless these real issues are properly addressed.

The Police Federation’s national position is clear: we support reform only when it is based on evidence, properly funded, and shaped by the real experience of officers.

That is why we will speak directly with Wiltshire Federation members to understand how these proposals could affect them locally. Their voices must be heard before any changes are introduced. Policing cannot be improved without listening to the people who do the job every day.

We will continue to stand up for Wiltshire officers and make sure any reform leads to safer communities and a fair, sustainable working environment for those who protect them.

What do we want for Wiltshire?

We want reform that:
• Is properly funded and resourced
• Improves working conditions and morale
• Provides better support and training, rather than adding extra duties without time or tools
• Protects strong local policing and accountability
• Makes sure officers are listened to and involved in shaping change

All of this reform is going to take time. I recognise the Government will seek to push certain elements, and I can assure you we will keep pushing for you all.

Joe Saunders

Chair Wiltshire Police Federation