Federation elections: deadline approaches for nominations for workplace representatives

Members looking to see change within the Federation and the Force are being urged to put themselves forward as workplace representatives.

The Federation’s election process, which will continue over the next nine months, started on 30 December when the nomination period for workplace representatives opened.

The deadline for self-nomination is this Friday (24 January).

Phil Walker, South Wales Police Federation chair, is encouraging all members to ask themselves if they could take on the role as a means of supporting colleagues and also driving change within the Federation and the Force.

 

 

“Constables, sergeants, the inspecting ranks and members of the Special Constabulary can stand for election as long as they are Federation members,” says Phil, “So I would urge all members to consider whether they could make a good workplace representative.

“I think it’s fair to say that it can be a challenging role since you will often find yourself supporting colleagues during difficult times but, equally, it can be very rewarding, knowing that you have been able to help a fellow officer.

“We often hear members criticising the Federation and I would hope that some of those who are dissatisfied will take this opportunity to get involved and try to drive forward the change they want to see within the organisation rather than standing on the outside looking in.

Local branch

“The Federation has a key role to play in representing members’ views with senior leaders so by being a part of the local branch you can help bring improvements within the Force too.”

Phil added: “The Federation provides training for its workplace representatives and this can also be useful in officers’ roles within the Force.”

He also stressed that even if members decide not to stand as a candidate in the elections they should ensure they register their votes.

“There are three key voting periods for members – in the elections for the workplace representatives during February, for the local chair in May and for the national chair in July,” said Phil.

Full details of how to self-nominate in the workplace rep elections, which are being held within all Federation branches, have been emailed to members along with details of how to vote using the electronic voting system.

Membership

The Federation is making a special plea to members from under-represented groups to consider putting themselves forward to become reps to help better reflect the diversity of the membership.

Voting for workplace reps will take place between 3 and 23 February and the results will be announced on 27 February. Successful local candidates will become part of the South Wales Police Federation Branch Council. They can then choose to stand for election to the local executive, the Branch Board, and further down the line, regional positions.

The election process continues in stages until 1 October when the new National Board will be in place.

If you want to find out more about becoming a representative, contact your local workplace representative or the Federation office.

More information about the role is available on the national Federation website.

A feature on the elections process appears on Pages 6 and 7 of the latest edition of Focus, the South Wales Police Federation magazine.