The national Police Federation is hosting a series of Election Cafés for members to find out more about becoming a Federation workplace representative.
The election process starts on 1 July and the online café events are aimed at members, particularly from under-represented groups, who are thinking of becoming a rep. They aim to help members find out more about the role and to showcase how reps and self-organised groups are vital in supporting the Federation’s 130,000 members across England and Wales.
Staffordshire branch secretary Glyn Pattinson said: “The election process starts soon so if any members are thinking of becoming a rep, these events will give them everything they need to know.
“They are informal events and a number of speakers will be part of really engaging sessions.”
He added: “Being a rep can be a really satisfying role, particularly when you’ve helped and supported a colleague through a tough time. It is also a chance to grow professionally with excellent training in a range of areas such as equality, discipline and health and safety.
“If you want to be a rep, sign up for an Election Café to find out more.”
The Election Cafés take place on:
- Tuesday 18 May from 10am to 11.30am
- Tuesday 25 May from 2pm to 3.30pm and
- Tuesday 1 June from 6pm to 7.30pm.
The busy agenda starts with welcomes from John Apter, the national Federation chair, and vice-chair Ché Donald.
There are tasters from Belinda Goodwin, National wellbeing lead and women’s group secretary, and Zac Mader, Police Association strategic leads secretary and Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) and BAME belief secretary.
In the main session of the Election Cafés, Peggy Lamont, national Federation equality lead, will talk about the importance of officers putting themselves forward to become Fed reps.
There will also be inputs from leaders from the Federation’s self-organised groups.
The events conclude with a Q & A, a recap of what’s been shared and learned, and details of the next steps to becoming a Fed rep.
More information is available at www.polfed.org/repsatwork and you can register your interest by emailing pfevents@polfed.org.
