Page 27 - WMPF Federation Oct-Nov 2020_Neat

GET T O KNO W Y OU R R EP S
Sam urges

SA VE
UP
TO40%

“QUALITY members to

INSURANCE connect with

AT INTERNET

PRICES” their Fed reps

Great value insurance,

for all serving and retired When Sam Hughes returned to work support and also helping them in having a difference. A little corny, but it’s true. I
following treatment for breast cancer,
voice.
felt the life skills I had to offer could be of
The Federation role has been a learning
Police Officers, Specials, she decided she wanted to invest some of curve for Sam, who says can be difficult not benefit to the police. Common sense all
her time in helping colleagues.
the way. The job itself is not hard. Being
So, in early 2020 she joined the Police
Staff and Partners. Federation as a workplace representative always knowing the answers, but she has a able to talk to people at all levels and
large network of people to consult with.
being understanding, kind and
and she hopes she can use her wealth of She says: “To anyone who’s thinking ‘is compassionate doesn’t cost anything.”
life experience, as well as professional being a rep worthwhile?’, I’ve got no Her first post was in Wednesbury
experience of working in domestic abuse, complaints. It can be demanding but with her then tutor, Cliff Tomkinson, who
response, neighbourhood roles and public rewarding also. is now the personnel and equality lead
order situations to understand the issues “As a workplace representative, you can for West Midlands Police Federation.
and demands officers are facing. present a voice, be able to offer support and Speaking about the recent pandemic
She explains: “I enjoy helping people, be able to help make changes. Sadly, the Fed and her future as a Fed rep, she said: “I
offering support and using my own has had a bad name down to the issues with personally think the Force has worked
personal experiences to provide them pensions. hard during these difficult times with
with a way forward. “But the Fed reps don’t get extra pay for Covid. No organisation was prepared for
“Times are hard and as a Force we doing the role and they also don’t get the this outbreak and I believe without the
EVERYTHING TAKEN CARE OF: work together, generally, very well. It’s the thanks they deserve either at times. dedication of staff and officers the Force
officers and their commitment that keep “As a workplace rep, I find it hard to would be in a very different state now.
“I want to get more involved with the
MOTOR INSURANCE the wheels moving. I’m one of those understand why, when there’s a problem, Federation, do some more training
officers don’t connect with their Fed reps
officers and am proud to be part of the
HOME INSURANCE team.” sooner... we are there to help.” courses and be able to offer more help

She continues: “I’d returned after

Sam joined the Force in 2003, having
and advice to the officers within the
MOTORCYCLE INSURANCE breast cancer in September 2018 and previously been a swimming teacher, Force. To bring in the changes to help
really wanted to get more involved with
mortgage advisor and underwriter and a
people off sick, make the process more
TRAVEL INSURANCE helping my colleagues. I had experienced supervisor at Next. user-friendly and give that voice officers
When her children were 10 and 6 she
some positive and negative responses

need. Cancer has changed everything in
MOTOR BREAKDOWN COVER from having cancer and I wanted to share decided she wanted a ‘career to be proud of’. my life and it has made me realise the
She explains: “They were growing up and
them.”

good in people.”
allocation team as part of the Public I joined as I believed I could make a
Sam, who is based in the review and
includes designated points of contact, a “ To anyone who’s thinking ‘is being a rep
Protection Unit, is currently working with
HR on implementing a programme of
changes to how the Force helps and
Call 0161 762 4416 supports people on long-term sick. This worthwhie?’, I’ve got no complaints. It can be
buddy system, changes to working demanding but rewarding also.
or visit policeinsure.co.uk practices, making the process easier for “
officers who are off sick and need the
Follow us on: facebook.com/PoliceInsure @PoliceInsure www.polfed.org/westmids federation October/November 2020 27
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