Election Cafés: find out more about being a Fed rep

13 May 2021

South Wales Branch chair Steve Treharne says being a Police Federation workplace representative can be hugely rewarding and is encouraging members to stand at the upcoming elections.

The election process starts on 1 July and Steve says being a rep is a great opportunity for members to develop their skills and knowledge, and to support their colleagues.

He said: “Becoming a rep and representing your colleagues in any situation, whether it be with the quick offer of advice or by supporting them through a more lengthy process, can be really rewarding.

“Reps receive comprehensive training which will improve and grow their skillset but, as serving officers, they also know the pressures and difficulties officers face, which gives them an understanding when their colleagues need help and support.”

The Federation is hosting a series of Election Cafés for members to find out more about becoming a rep.

“If you’re thinking of standing to be a rep, I would encourage you to sign up to one of the cafés,” said Steve, “They’re free for a start and include contributions from right across the Federation. You will find out about the role, how to get involved and the vital work our reps and self-organised groups do are in supporting members.”

The online Election Cafés are aimed at members, particularly those from under-represented groups, who are thinking of becoming a rep.

They take place on:

Tuesday 18 May from 10am to 11.30am

Tuesday 25 May 25 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 Café, 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 sessions end 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