Election Cafés: find out more about being a Fed rep

12 May 2021

West Midlands branch chair Jon Nott says the Federation’s new Election Café events are not to be missed by members thinking of becoming a Police Federation workplace representative.

The national Federation is running the informal online event for members, particularly from under-represented groups, who are thinking of becoming a rep when the election process starts on 1 July.

The Election Cafés 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.

Jon said: “The Election Cafés are not to be missed if you are a member who is thinking of standing to become a rep in the forthcoming elections. You will hear from a range of voices from across the Federation who will offer real insight into the role and what it takes to be a rep.

“It is an incredibly rewarding, but sometimes challenging, role but gives you the chance to represent the people you know through what can be very difficult situations. Reps receive excellent training in a range of areas such as discipline, health and safety and equality, so it’s also a chance to improve your skillset and grow professionally.

“When you’re able to help a colleague it can be incredibly satisfying.”

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 Federation 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 important 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 end with a Q & A, a recap of what’s been shared and learned, and details about 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.