Page 5 - WMPF Federation Oct-Nov2017 Final_Neat

From my monitoring of social media, I
am fully aware of the groundswell of John is elected as our
opinion from members that many would
like to reject the offer and I have expressed new deputy chair
these views along with the anger that this
announcement has caused in every media
interview I have given since the pay award John Williams has been elected as the new offer after being under investigation due
was announced. But I have to be mindful deputy chairman of West Midlands Police to a complaint.
that the opinions I have seen expressed on Federation and will be working full-time John is also the chair of the West
social media may not necessarily represent at Guardians House. Midlands Benevolent Fund and over the
the views of the majority of officers who are Describing himself as a “late joiner”, by last few years he has focussed on
in desperate need of a pay rise no matter the time he started as a West Midlands increasing benefits and membership
how derisory and potentially short-lived. It Police officer he had held a number of jobs among officers and staff.
must also be remembered that because of from military service and trade union shop As deputy chair of the Federation, he
the way our pay is reviewed, we do not have steward with GMB to financial adviser. wants to continue to meet locally with
the ability to simply reject the award. On joining the Force, he began work members.
My personal view is that the structure of on a response shift at Solihull and later “I will speak up on their behalf, airing
this pay award is a method seen by the joined a neighbourhood team. In 2007, he their concerns and addressing the issues
Government firstly to force PCCs to use their became a Federation workplace that matter to them, be that locally,
reserves and secondly to send a message to representative following first-hand regionally or nationally,” John says.
the College of Policing that it needs to experience of the support the Fed could
convince the PRRB next year of the merit of

targeted pay and point out it now has a pot WMPF hits the road again
of money to use.
Hence this year’s one per cent bonus The next West Midlands Police Federation
may be taken away from some and given to (WMPF) Roadshow is being held in October
others next year. This is something the Coventry. January
Federation strongly opposes. The Federation The event will take place in the Gavin 18 9
has, so far, successfully convinced the PRRB Carlton Room at Coventry Police Station Coventry Police Station
this could be divisory, and I hope this is on Wednesday 18 October between 10am Stechford
something it can continue to do. and 3pm. There is no need to book – just turn up
I would just like to emphasise that we Member services providers will be on the day.
are genuinely aware of the strength of available to talk to officers and discuss the Members can also enter a prize draw
anger at the way we have been treated by services they can provide. to win a £50 Amazon voucher, look out for
successive Governments over the past six Members will be able to discuss any flyers locally.
years and will ensure we get this across to concerns they have with Federation A further roadshow is planned for
the Government. But we must remain representatives and members of the Stechford on 9 January 2018. More details
focussed on achieving the best results we WMPF executive who will be attending. will be announced nearer the time.
can for all concerned.
Finally, I would just like to mention Heading for retirement?
another issue that will have an impact on
some officers considering retirement. A Retiring from the Force marks a major The next seminars on 19 October
stalemate between the Home Office and change in any officer’s life so, with this in and 14 December are fully booked but
forces means officers in the Police Pension mind, West Midlands Police Federation there are spaces available on the
Scheme 1987 will not benefit from a organises seminars to ensure members following dates:
suggested amendment to regulations that are properly prepared. 1 February 2018
affect them if they retire when they have The seminars are open to officers in 12 April 2018
between 25 and 30 years’ service. their last three years of service and are 24 May 2018
The Home Office had agreed to amend also open to their husband, wife or 5 July 2018
the regulations to lift a commutation partner. They are held at the West 16 August 2018
restriction affecting these officers. However, Midlands Police Federation office at 4 October 2018
it insisted that forces would need to fund Guardians House in Sheldon. 22 November 2018
the difference between the original Topics covered include: There is one date already scheduled
provision and the larger commutation l Managing change and uncertainty for 2019 – 10 January.
payment this would have allowed. l CV writing and interview techniques To book a place on any of the
Chief officers say forces cannot afford to l Transferable skills seminars, please email
do this. l Police and state pensions westmidlandspf@polfed.org with your
For more details on the pay award, turn l Managing money and financial name, work email address, personal
to Page 6. changes email address, personal phone number,
l Budgeting proposed retirement date and number
l Starting your own business of places required. Please put
l Taxation ‘Retirement Seminar’ and the date you
l Savings wish to attend in the subject line.
l Investments and finances.

www.westmidspolfed.com federation October/November 2017 05