FEMALE CHAIRS PART 1
While that makes me personally proud, I am not proud that in over a century only two women have held that position. One of the key benefits from the internal transformation journey we are on is that the Police Federation will become more relevant to all officers, and in turn, this should encourage people from all backgrounds to get involved.
Yes, I do. As the newly elected National Chair, I will chair National Council and National Board meetings and look out and see more women Fed reps; and indeed, reps from all diverse backgrounds. That makes a difference.
How can the Federation continue to encourage a wider range of voices in leadership without making representation feel tokenistic? For a start, we must be truly member focused, and to do this means full re-engagement with the membership - sharing more information about what we are doing and also hearing from them about what is affecting them in their work, then using the information and acting upon it. I want officers to know that we are not just listening but doing; and that is all officers. When they see and feel this, when they are confident that their voice counts and that their viewpoint matters and is acted upon, it will encourage more people to get involved, and to stand as Fed reps.
What message do you hope this sends to future leaders in policing, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds?
I believe the message it sends is that everyone matters in policing. You only need look back in policing 30 years or so to see how women were treated, and in no way treated on an equal footing with male officers. Thankfully, and through individuals standing up to be counted in often difficult and trying circumstances, females and officers from all protected characteristics are no longer put in boxes by the police service about what they should and shouldn’t do. Society has rightly moved on and policing, and indeed the Police Federation, has changed. But I want to see more women, more people from all diverse backgrounds and protected characteristics, feeling confident and comfortable to become the leaders of tomorrow across all aspects of policing. We have come a long way, but there is still much to do.
Do you feel the increasing visibility of women in these roles is having a tangible effect on your colleagues, particularly female officers or reps?
“We will not allow police officers’ courage, commitment, and professionalism to be undermined by cheap headlines, scapegoating, or political agendas.”
You feel different when you look around a room and see people who have the same or similar lived experiences to you, and that is not just for women, it relates to gender, ethnicity, religion or belief, sex, disability and age. You know you are not just a lone voice, and it means that as a membership organisation we can become truly representative and reflective of all rank-and-file officers in England and Wales. When those officers see and feel that too, it gives confidence to stand for election, to break down the barriers and to be whatever you want to be in policing.
Finally, an extra question, as you have just been elected National Chair of the Police Federation, what is your vision for the future? Firstly, it is important to say that, as National Chair, while I may be the front face of campaigns and new stories, I am supported by colleagues on the National Board and National Council, as well as the many workplace reps who provide invaluable help and assistance to their colleagues. Therefore, while I have been elected National Chair, we operate as one team for the benefit of all members. We will continue to drive forward the Copped Enough campaign, to address the 21 per cent pay degradation police officers have experienced since 2010. We will also fight for improved health
and wellbeing care; for workload reform to stop burnout; and for a fit for purpose Police Covenant, so that it makes a positive difference supporting officers and their families. Policing has become an easy target for politicians, the media, and armchair critics. That’s why we will challenge damaging narratives, confront poor legislation, and ensure that officers’ voices are heard where it matters. We will not allow police officers’ courage, commitment, and professionalism to
be undermined by cheap headlines, scapegoating, or political agendas. Working with my colleagues nationally and locally, I will stand up for all police officers and lead with a clear focus. I will be bold, unapologetic, and relentless in fighting for fair pay and better conditions; protecting what matters; improving what’s not working; and making sure the Federation stays relevant and strong in the face of ongoing challenges. It’s not just
about being seen; it’s about getting things done; and I look forward to working with my police officer colleagues and Federation reps across the 43 forces in England and Wales to achieve these aims.
PAULA DODDS CHAIR, METROPOLITAN What inspired you to put yourself forward for this leadership role within the Federation, and how did your journey here unfold? I put myself forward for this leadership role to help take the Federation forward and strengthen collaboration with other federations across England and Wales. At a national level it is vital we speak with one voice on behalf of members. I have proudly served as a representative for 14 years, supporting members throughout that time. Stepping into this role is an opportunity to extend that support on a larger scale and to ensure every member’s voice is heard and valued.
In your experience, what are the most important qualities a branch chair must bring to the role? I believe the branch chair plays a pivotal leadership role in the Federation, representing members, guiding the branch, and influencing national policy. The qualities that I need to bring to the role are strong leadership, collaboration with colleagues, senior leaders and partners across the country to influence national policy. I will act with integrity, purpose, think strategically and always keep the members at the heart of every decision. I want to bring legitimacy to the role by being visible, approachable and proactive in meeting members and listening to the concerns that are being raised. Communication is also a key to the role ensuring our members know what we are doing and why we are doing it.
35 | POLICE | AUGUST | 2025
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60
