Page 19 - WMPF Federation June-July 2021_Neat

Conference Day 2

Officer welfare put

to the fore in huge

policing operations

est Midlands Police Federation clarifying. These included accommodation,
chair Jon Nott says he’s pleased allowances, kit, and subsistence, while
Wofficers’ needs and welfare are Glasgow is set to vaccinations, social distancing and Covid-
being considered by the organisers of two secure measures were among the topics
huge events. host the UN’s Climate addressed.
Glasgow is set to host the UN’s Climate Change Conference Simon said many members do not see or
Change Conference (COP26) later this year (COP26) later this year understand the work and pre-planning done
while Birmingham is due to stage the by Fed reps about mutual aid.
Commonwealth Games next year. while Birmingham is due He said: “Mutual aid is not a jolly – our
Jon was part of a conference round table to stage the members need to be valued. It’s about the
discussion about mutual aid – the provision Commonwealth Fed challenging – in some cases the
of policing assistance from one force to planners’ assumptions are wrong, and it’s
another – during which the welfare of Games next the Fed who are the useful critical friend to
officers working at the two events was year. get the best outcome for members.
discussed. Get the money right,
“ What was pleasing different styles of operations – the “ get the

“These should be two completely
to hear from both
accommodation
Commonwealth Games should be a real
speakers was that
community engagement type operation. right and get the
the Gold “I’ve personally visited all of the proposed food right.
accommodation sites for mutual aid officers “
Commander from and all are single occupancy en suite rooms
with hot catering facilities on site.
both operations is “The Force has also secured venues near “It’s about making sure solicitors, reps
to the deployment sites that officers can go and welfare support are available on the
putting officer to while on their rest break. This is out of ground.”
view of the public and will be somewhere Simon said the key to mutual aid was
welfare as a priority they can switch off and relax while on their down to three main factors - “Get the money
break and getting their mid-shift meal. right, get the accommodation right and get
for these “There will be support for officers at both the food right.”
deployments from Federation reps and He also explained members’ confusion
deployments. welfare vans and, in terms of COP26, there over overnight allowances was
will be dual support due to Scotland having commonplace, and that being away from
different laws and regulations. home was not enough to qualify for the
Jon was joined by the Federation’s “It’s pleasing to see both operations have allowance.
“
national treasurer Simon Kempton and the engaged with the Federation so early on to But he added: “Mutual aid should mean
Scottish Police Federation’s Gordon Forsyth, try to ensure officers needs and welfare are overnight allowance. It’s been £50 for too
assistant to the general secretary (health considered and that they can learn from long – it’s out of date. There should be a
and safety), for the discussion. previous deployment to try to make it easier two-tier overnight allowance and, if
Speaking after the conference, Jon said: and smoother for officers coming on mutual members are held in reserve, they should get
“What was pleasing to hear from both aid, deployed to the games and carrying on more than that.
speakers was that the Gold Commander with policing the Force area.” “At PFEW, we’re not going to stop
from both operations is putting officer The discussion also covered changes to pushing the Home Office and chiefs. It is only
welfare as a priority for these deployments. and issues involving mutual aid which need right members should feel valued.”

www.polfed.org/westmids federation June/July 2021 19