Page 11 - Federation Magazine December 2017 / January 2018

Could you be Election process

The Police Federation of England and
a Fed rep? Wales (PFEW) holds elections every three
years. The triennial election period was
due to start autumn 2016 but new
regulations changing the way elections
are run following Sir David Normington’s
independent review of PFEW are now
with the Home Office and are expected
represent people you know and help fight to be in place at the end of this year.
their cases in some tough situations,” he
said. The new system
“There are frustrations, like in any walk The new process will provide a rank-less
of life, but when you help an officer in need structure with no more separate rank
he Force’s constables, sergeants and with anything from a piece of advice to committees at local or national level. The
inspecting ranks are being given the representation on a serious matter, it can be number of officials on the National Board
Topportunity to represent, support and very satisfying.” will be reduced from 30 to 24.
negotiate on key issues for their colleagues “The people you are representing come The National Board along with the
by putting themselves forward to be a from active roles within the Force so you National Council, which is made up of
Federation workplace representative. know their jobs and you know the local Federation chairs and secretaries
Nominees are being sought for difficulties they face in doing them which and other individuals from protected
upcoming elections for positions across the really helps in the role of a rep. You have a characteristics groups, will be the key
Force area. level of understanding and empathy which decision-making bodies for the
A current West Midlands rep is taking is hugely beneficial to all parties.” organisation. The new process allows
part in the national campaign to encourage Federation reps don’t just deal with members to vote for local chairs as well
more officers to put themselves forward for detail and factual information on issues like as the national chair via a new electronic
what can be a challenging but rewarding pay, pensions and grievances, they can also voting system operated via the members’
role. offer moral support and friendly advice to database.
Inspector Mark Hambling says he has officers who may be going through a The current triennial period has been
found Federation work very satisfying. difficult time at work for whatever reason. extended by the Home Office until the
“I actually gain more satisfaction from Reps also have access to third-party sources regulations are completed and the new
helping my colleagues than from my work who may be able to aid officers, if they don’t voting process can take effect.
as a police officer,” he said, “While you may know the answer themselves.
be used to helping members of the public, As part of the Police Federation of Current process:
on this occasion, you are helping your England and Wales (PFEW), West Midlands l Members vote for workplace
colleagues and those closest to you. reps also have the chance to put themselves Federation reps
“The role gives me a chance to use the forward for the national body whenever l Workplace Fed reps vote for Joint
knowledge and skills I have got to hopefully opportunities arise. Branch Board executive members
make colleagues feel better about what they PFEW was established in 1919 and has l The local chairs and secretaries sit on
do.” represented the interests of officers from the Interim National Council
Mark believes some of the training he the ranks of constable to chief inspector ever l Regional rank delegates to
has received in the role has been “amazing” since. The organisation is funded by monthly conference vote for their Interim
and that he has enjoyed speaking to fellow subscriptions from officers and the National Board reps
reps from diverse backgrounds. Federation works on three levels: local, l Interim National Board members
“In any walk of life, you can’t beat that. I regional and national. vote on principal national officer
have had the chance to learn from officers of There is a Police Federation branch in roles – including the chair and
different cultures, backgrounds, every force together representing 120,000 general secretary.
organisations and those who police different officers, which is 97 per cent of the rank and The new process the Federation is
communities.” file. working to while waiting confirmation
West Midlands Federation chairman For further information and to read case in the hew regulations, following Home
Tom Cuddeford said he has got a lot out of studies from officers who careers and lives Office approval:
his role over the years. have been helped in some way by Federation l Members vote for workplace reps to
rewarding because it gives you a chance to reps, visit http://www.polfed.org/ l The Branch Council elects the Branch
“Becoming a Federation rep can be very
form the Branch Council
campaigning/3733.aspx
“ Becoming a Federation rep can be very l Members elect the branch chair
Board members
l The Branch Board elects the secretary
l Branch Board chair and secretary
rewarding because it gives you a
make up the National Council
l Members vote to elect the national
chance to represent people you know
chair
and help fight their cases in some l National Council votes to elect the
National Board
l National Board selects the general
tough situations. secretary
l National Board votes in remaining
principal officers.

www.westmidspolfed.com federation December 2017/January 2018 11
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