If you can communicate effectively, then engagement is more likely. Is that true? The Cheshire Police Federation podcast returns with a conversation about a word that has several meanings. Branch chairman Jamie Thompson joins host Andrew Simpson to explain how his role demands engagement with different actors on a daily basis. One such group is MPs; why talk to them? And what are the potential benefits? Together they discuss the reasons police officers might be more reluctant to engage than in the past, and assess whether withdrawing from the pay review process has been an effective strategy f ..read more

How comforting is it to talk to somebody who empathises with the way you’re feeling? This episode explores the power of personal connection, and identifies how that can be applied practically to assist police officers. Host Andrew Simpson is joined by Dan Lever, equality and wellbeing lead for Cheshire Police Federation, who together with David Cain is ready to launch 4092 Men’s Talk Group. David is the founder of ‘Prevention Through Connection’, which helps organisations to look after their employees’ mental health. Dan also shares his memories of PC Stephen Powell, a popular member of the Ch ..read more

One of the ways Cheshire Police Federation connects to the communities that its members serve is by supporting good causes. Branch chairman Jamie Thompson tells host Andrew Simpson why doing so gives him satisfaction, and celebrates the benefits he’s seen from doing something for others. A major fundraising event in the calendar is an annual dinner co-hosted by the Cheshire Police Federation and the Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary, which this year raised money for volunteer group the Nantwich Buddies. Founder, Liz Parkin, and volunteer co-ordinator, Sara Lamond, share their story and ..read more

Following a review this year, the Government has proposed that police officers suspected of gross misconduct should be sacked automatically if the allegation is proven.  Chief constables, or other senior officers, will also be given greater powers – including chairing a three-person panel at disciplinary hearings – if the changes become law. What will the impact be? Dave Howard, Conduct and Performance Liaison Officer for the Cheshire Police Federation, tells host Andrew Simpson the possible consequences. He explains too why the Home Secretary’s recommendations may not result in bolstered ..read more

Police officers have discovered that their pay will rise by seven per cent from September. It provides respite, but pressure on their pockets won’t relent. Cheshire Police Federation chairman Jamie Thompson tells host Andrew Simpson what the impact will be on his members’ personal finances. He outlines too the challenge of articulating a response everybody agrees with, and explains why the method for deciding policy pay awards must change. The Police Remuneration Review Body’s 2023 report for England and Wales is available to read here. Previous episodes mentioned in this one If morale is the ..read more

Results from the latest Pay and Morale Survey prompted the Police Federation of England and Wales to conclude that officers are close to breaking point. Many are questioning whether they can afford to stay in policing amid the cost-of-living crisis, and close to one in five respondents said they plan on quitting the job. How seriously should we take them? And what impact does worrying every day about money have on an officer’s ability to do their duty? Jamie Thompson, Cheshire Police Federation chairman, answers those questions as well as sharing how he plans to use the data to identify the br ..read more

The way officers feel – about their jobs, how they’re portrayed, and who really appreciates them – has dominated discourse on policing throughout 2022. Branch chairman Jamie Thompson is invited by host Andrew Simpson to join the dots between issues that matter most to Cheshire Police Federation members. Together they reflect on the past 12 months, selecting highlights, revisiting the biggest challenges and identifying lessons to learn. In this episode, we discuss: How successful has the Federation been in its fight for fairness? Why a change in the law is proof that campaigning with gusto can ..read more

A campaign by the Police Federation of England and Wales for special constables to join its ranks resulted in a law change earlier this year. Now, volunteer officers can apply for membership and enjoy the benefits of representation and protection unavailable to them previously. Jamie Birtles, a special constable in Cheshire, tells host Andrew Simpson why that is important. Meanwhile, branch chairman Jamie Thompson explains why his experience as a volunteer shapes his opinion and how the perception of special constables has changed over time. In this episode, we ask: What do special constables ..read more

If close to half of police officers in Cheshire were worrying daily about money last winter, then how do they feel about their circumstances now? Dan Lever, equality and wellbeing lead for Cheshire Police Federation, tells host Andrew Simpson what impact poor financial wellbeing has on performance. And, against the backdrop of inflation in the UK reaching double digits for the first time in 40 years, Tom Howban and Adam Norris from Reflect Financial recommend practical steps officers can take straightaway to ease pressure on themselves and their families. In this episode, we ask What differenc ..read more

The Cheshire Police Federation podcast returns with a close examination of what workplace representation looks like for officers in 2022. Tony Condon, the branch secretary, starts by explaining what the lasting impact of the coronavirus pandemic is on representatives tasked with looking after their colleagues. He is joined this month by Sgt Andy Burrage, the newly-appointed deputy misconduct lead, and together they outline to host Andrew Simpson how providing easier access to expert know-how will benefit members. Andy also talks about what motivated him to volunteer as a workplace rep, and off ..read more