Cheshire Constabulary’s commitment to keeping people safe was a highlight for inspectors when they visited.   His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has published its report after judging the force’s performance across nine areas of policing.   It was found to have improved or maintained its grading for each of those since the previous inspection.    Jamie Thompson, Cheshire Police Federation chairman, shares his insight during this episode on how that makes police officers feel, and why a positive report is important in shaping ..read more

As the saying goes, ‘No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.’ The first episode of a new year strikes an optimistic note as Cheshire Police Federation chairman, Jamie Thompson, and vice-chairman Dave Howard identify what lies ahead for policing in 2025. They tell host Andrew Simpson why the branch’s inaugural bravery awards in March is an event worth supporting, and what they hope it will mean to members. The duo also surveys the national scene, sharing their predictions for what the priorities for policing will be over the next 12 months. They also reveal what appears at the ..read more

Do emotions prompted by experiencing trauma impact police officer behaviour? It’s a question that Lucy Davies, a doctoral researcher for the Open University, intends to answer as part of a new study into the relationship between stress, feelings, and misconduct. In this episode, she tells host Andrew Simpson and Jamie Thompson, Cheshire Police Federation chairman, why she is interested in this subject and how branch members can assist with her research. The trio also discuss how the survey’s findings might benefit policing in the future. If you’re a serving officer and want to know more about ..read more

In May of this year, Labour’s Dan Price was elected as the third Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire since the post’s creation in 2012. In this episode, he tells host Andrew Simpson how he intends to approach the role and what it’s like to start a new job while in the public eye. Cheshire Police Federation chairman, Jamie Thompson, talks too about the branch’s relationship with PCCs past and present, and describes ways they can help each other. Both guests also answer the question; how do police officers benefit when the two identify a common purpose? To learn more about the Police and ..read more

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