WEBINARS PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT A PLATFORM FOR As 2024 draws to a close, PFEW is delighted that more than
8,000 delegates attended webinars hosted on a wide range of policing topics. Attendees are able to interact directly with the session leads by submitting comments or questions for consideration. Read below about some of the recent webinars
SPECIAL CONSTABULARY – WHY BECOME A FED REP? The free webinar forms part of the PFEW’s online Events and Training strategy and attendees heard from Laura Hart, A special chief inspector from Merseyside. Laura spoke about her service and also her passion for seeing more representation for specials within the work of the Federation. Also presenting
ask are surrounded injury (and how it affects working life outside of volunteer policing) and also complaints made against volunteer officers. Both issues, should they arise, are covered by a PFEW membership.
The webinar also heard from Dave
during the webinar was PFEW Specialist Trainer Phil Matthews alongside PFEW National Treasurer and Special Constabulary Lead Simon Kempton. Phil outlined the value of Federation membership for any special constables (SCs), pointing out membership costs are often subsidised or completely funded by the local force. He said the two most commonly questions SCs
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“SCs should not think that as volunteers they do not receive the same protections from the Equality Act as their full-time colleagues. The legislation protects SCs as they are ‘employees’ of their respective forces under this legislation.”
Phil also outlined the benefits for any Special Constable who wish to become a Federation ‘rep’. He spoke about some of the comprehensive training courses that are made available to all reps and he also outlined the Federation’s mentorship programme which can be of particular help to newer reps.
and Andy who are the first two SCs to become Fed reps in England and Wales. They spoke about their service both as volunteer police officers and also as Fed reps. Their rep duties support both SCs and full-time officers alike. Andy and Dave cited personal anecdotes on training but also the satisfaction they have had by helping their colleagues. Belinda Goodwin, one of PFEW leads for SCs alongside Mr Kempton, spoke at the event. They told delegates they are
working hard to encourage all 43 local branch boards to have at least one special constable as a Fed rep.
SPECIAL CONSTABULARY – EQUALITY This session was hosted by PFEW Equality lead Ian Saunders alongside
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