Fed hopes for "strong and robust" Police Covenant

joined-up approach to the new Police Covenant is being adopted in Wales which will cover all of the emergency services. 

 South Wales Police Federation chair Steve Treharne said he hoped it provided an opportunity to produce a "strong and robust" covenant that reflected the unique roles of police and blue light workers.  

Steve's comments came as the body overseeing the establishment of the covenant said the approach to the covenant was being taken in Wales due to the Welsh Government’s devolved responsibility for Fire and Rescue Services. 

In its annual report, the Police Covenant Oversight Board said it also reflected that services such as health, social care, education and housing were devolved in Wales. 

The report said: "In this context, we are working with partners to explore the opportunity to develop a broader Emergency Services Covenant in Wales. This could cover policing, fire and rescue services and emergency healthcare services. 

 "Following initial meetings between the Welsh Government and Policing in Wales, and a discussion at the Policing Partnership Board for Wales, work on the covenant is now being taken forward through the Joint Emergency Services Group (JESG) which includes Chief Officers from all emergency services in Wales. 

"In line with the Armed Forces Covenant, the approach to the Police Covenant and Emergency Services Covenant in Wales will focus on parity of access to services and ensuring that staff, ex-staff and their families are not at a disadvantage. 

"The covenant also provides an opportunity to reflect on employers’ existing responsibilities for the health and wellbeing of their staff, and to help them fulfil those responsibilities as effectively as possible. 

 "Developing a new covenant for Wales will need time and focus. At this stage Welsh Government, Policing in Wales and other Wales stakeholders are working together to scope what the covenant would mean for their services and the staff who may benefit from it."

 Steve said: "I understand the approach and why it's being taken in Wales. 

 "I also understand that developing a new covenant will take time but there needs to be progress. It can’t be a paper exercise. 

"This is a chance to work with our partners to ensure the covenant is strong and robust and recognises the unique job police officers and emergency workers do and the sacrifices they and their families make. 

 "As a Federation, we’ll continue to play our part to ensure the covenant is meaningful and tangible for our members and their families," Steve added.