Page 4 - WMPF Federation April-May2021_Neat

Chair’s introduction

Federation elections:

could you represent

and support your

colleagues?

Its primary role is to represent workplace representative positions within
constables, sergeants and the inspecting their forces.
ranks, to negotiate on their behalf and to Nominations will be submitted during a
influence decision-makers such as three-week period before all members are
managers, chief officers, Police and Crime asked to vote during a further three weeks.
Commissioners and MPs. On 1 September, these elected
But it can only do that because of the representatives will go on to form the
support offered to the full-time officials, individual Branch Councils with elections for
based at Guardians House, by workplace the Branch Boards – or executives – starting
representatives who carry out their shortly afterwards.
Federation work voluntarily while also doing Branch chairs will be in post from 1
their usual duties. December with the other officials being
It can be a challenging, and demanding, elected by 1 January 2022.
role. Supporting a colleague through a Elections for the national positions,
conduct inquiry, for example, can be including the national chair, will then
time-consuming and it can also take its toll continue in the first half of the new year
on the Federation rep. with the full new National Board all being in
But it is still incredibly rewarding just place by 1 July 2022.
knowing you have helped a fellow officer I am hoping that as many members as
through what is likely to be one of the possible will take this opportunity to at least
toughest times of their career. consider standing for election as a workplace
By Jon Nott, chair of West Midlands Police And, in addition to that, reps also get representative.
Federation access to training courses, and experiences, It may be that ultimately you decide it’s
that can really help them within their not for you but please take the time to look
ith officers feeling the impact of policing careers. into what the role entails, see how it
the pandemic on their physical This year, starting in July, the Police matches up with your own skillsets, your
Wand mental health and the Federation of England and Wales, will be experience and your aspirations.
draining effect of negative press coverage holding its triennial elections. Each of its 43 If you seem to be the one that people on
and ongoing public protests, never has it branches will be seeking nominations for the your shift turn to for advice and support,
been more important for our members to
have the support of the Police Federation.
While most officers are well aware of
how the Federation is on hand to guide and
advise those who find themselves facing
conduct or performance investigations,
there is so much more that we can do to
help our members.
From helping with flexible working
arrangements to providing signposting
towards organisations that can offer tailored
support, the Federation is here for officers
24/7 and 365 days a year.

04 federation April/May 2021 www.polfed.org/westmids