Page 8 - Insight Issue 1 _ 2018

Update from the Secretary

Dave Lowe is the new Secretary for Merseyside Police
Federation. Dave looks at the challenges ahead.
Dave Lowe - Secretary
Merseyside Police Federation

At the time of writing this article I have been in the their families on behalf of the federation has been a great
post of Secretary of Merseyside Police Federation source of support guidance and help to them through
for 3 weeks. those diffcult times.

As I refected on my service I must say that back in 1993 Rob has been replaced by Jane Arrowsmith who is keen
when I attended at Mather Avenue for my frst day I ever to continue the legacy left by Rob and Chris Leach has
imagined 25 years later I would be in the role that I am now. taken up the role vacated by myself as the Conduct and
On that day I was totally unaware of who the Federation performance Lead .
was and what they do my only experience of unions was as
an electrician with my then union fghting redundancy’s for During Tony’s time as Secretary he has negotiated
Liverpool Labour over Manchester labour and the ill feeling Merseyside Police Federation through the pay freezes,
that caused between work colleagues. pension changes, shift changes to name just a few and
I’m sure he didn’t think he would be retiring leaving his
I’ve been involved with the Police Federation since 2001 incumbent with the same issues.
following the death of Jimmy Forrest who I was related
to. I became a rep which then opened my eyes to the We await the government’s decision on our submission for
work involved. a 3.4% pay rise through the pay remuneration body but
I’m not holding my breath as I can’t personally see the end
We are currently in the middle of an election in order to the this government’s austerity programme until the next
appoint what were the old area reps. The only change is general election or a change of leadership.
really the name. Like the force we too have gone borderless
so there is a possibility some stations or departments may In a previous article Tony commented that he hoped to
have more than one federation rep working from there. be heading into calmer waters after negotiating stormy
Once the elections are concluded and we are aware of waters but I feel this isn’t the case and storms still await us
whom the successful applicants are we will be circulating going forward. It’s not a case in my view of battening down
their details and how to contact them going forward should the hatches, however that is required but from previous
you require their assistance for representation or advice. experience of confronting storms you need to deal with
them head on with skill and expertise to ensure you come
We have undergone some signifcant changes in personnel out the other side safely.
at Green Lane also, I would like to place on record my
thanks to our outgoing Secretary Tony Barton, who retired Despite this I read and see federation members facing
in February. Many of you will have known Tony and the adversity continue to show pride and compassion, and
outstanding service and dedication he gave to the members continue outstanding work and courage which will ultimately
of the Federation as well as Merseyside Police. They are help us all through these testing times we fnd ourselves in.
indeed big shoes to fll, a task I am looking forward to. I have been asked previously what keeps our members
going under such hardship. It’s the commitment we all
Equally we also say goodbye to Rob Venables who was have when we joined the job to make a difference. It is
our equality and welfare lead for the federation. Rob has a privilege to represent such dedicated people and I am
represented numerous offcers in all sorts of ways and has continually struck by the way you raise to every challenge
been at the forefront of the federations push to ensure thrown at you by either politicians or irate members of the
wellbeing for offcers is at the forefront of the organisations public with the professionalism and pride for the role you
views which working alongside Rob we appear to be play in society.
lengths ahead of other forces.
I will endeavour to represent and support you, our members
Sadly Rob has had numerous dealings with offcers who going forward through as already described diffcult times
have passed and I’m aware that the compassion shown to which are still bestow us.

8 Insight Magazine of Merseyside Police Federation - Issue 1 of 2018 • www.merpolfed.org.uk

Insight Issue 1 _ 2018.indd 8 22/03/2018 08:51