Good afternoon, everyone. It’s wonderful to see you all. It’s been three years since our last annual conference, and I’ve spent a lot of time reflecting on how best to use this opportunity. There were many competing thoughts: should I focus on myth-busting, address headlines about the Federation, talk strategy, finances, transformation, or throw in names like Op Peridot and Op Sunrise? But the more I thought about it, the clearer it became: nothing is more important today than celebrating the hard work each of you do, day in and day out. Much of it goes unnoticed, and that feedback matters. So let’s take this moment to recognise the amazing work you and our colleagues deliver every single day.
Looking Back: How Far We’ve Come. Before we look ahead, let’s reflect on the last three years. We faced potential financial liabilities of over £100 million, with significantly lower sums in the bank. If that’s not an existential crisis, I don’t know what is. Fast forward to today: we’ve settled for less than a third of that amount, paid out the largest group litigation in our Federation’s history, possibly in policing history, and we’re on track to resolve the remaining case by year-end. This achievement was possible because of your leadership – branch chairs, secretaries, regional reps and the tireless work of our staff and management team. You should be immensely proud.
What Does the Federation Do for You? I often hear the question: ‘What does the Federation ever do for us?’ It’s a fair question. Let’s take stock: In the last three years, we’ve secured £150 million in compensation for members. This year alone, we’ve delivered over £40 million, with every penny going back to the membership. We’ve invested £35 million of subscription funds to achieve these wins—hiring top barristers and lawyers, and supporting reps who work tirelessly on the ground. We’ve processed 20,000-member claims; real people doing real work, not AI or automation. We’ve seen record engagement: 1,600 reps nominated in elections, unprecedented levels of interest, and record numbers of women chairs in branches. These achievements show we are making an impact. Just two weeks ago, we secured a seven-figure settlement for a member on top of the £42 million already delivered this year.
Three Commitments for the Future: Success brings responsibility. We cannot rest on our laurels. Today, I commit to three initiatives to deliver by the end of 2026: 1) The Real State of Policing: We will produce a report reflecting the true views of our member son kit, leadership, culture, shift patterns, welfare—challenging the HMICFRS top-down perspective. 2) Restoring Dignity: Starting next year, we will roll out a Victim and Witness Support Programme because we have a moral responsibility to treat each other with dignity. 3) Welfare for Reps: Next year, we will introduce a Welfare Programme for Federation Representatives because supporting our reps means better support for our members.
Closing Thoughts: My experience in the Federation has taught me this: when we are surrounded by people who believe in what we believe, remarkable things happen. The settlements, the compensation, the progress—they happened because we stayed focused, united, and aligned. Yes, we will challenge each other. We won’t agree on everything. But constructive challenge lifts the quality of our discussions and leads to better decisions. So, let’s stay strong. We are one team. There is strength in unity. Let’s stand united in purpose. Thank you.
