REPS @ WORK
– BECOME A FED REP
DC Dellie Williams has been an officer with Hampshire Constabulary for 20 years and is in her first year as a Federation rep. “As an effective communicator and listener, I’m able to question processes and plans constructively,” she says. The Federation provided an opportunity for Dellie to use her experience to support colleagues. She notes that some officers are apprehensive about putting
their heads above the parapet so it can help to have a Fed rep to fight their corner. She advises: “If you are thinking of becoming a Federation representative, I would urge you to have the confidence to take that first step – believe in your abilities. If you’re still not sure, speak to those who are already reps, ask about what it is like and you will find someone is always willing to help and guide you”.
PC Stuart Parry, who has been a Lancashire Police officer for 20 years and a Federation rep for four, felt he had come to a crossroads in his career and needed a challenge. Becoming a rep was the answer. He says: “When I thought about standing, I wasn’t sure if I could do it so I spoke to a few people and decided to go for it. I was elected and, pretty soon after, I went on several courses at HQ in Leatherhead which gave me the training I needed.”
Stuart became a full-time rep and is proudest when defending colleagues in misconduct situations. He recently received an award for Exceptional Service from PFEW National Chair John Apter – which he describes as a ‘massive surprise’. Ian adds: “Being a rep is very much like many other police officer roles, you don’t know what’s going to come in that day but you know that whatever it is you’ll deal with it. If you need help, there is always someone to ask.”
John Apter: ‘Little things make a difference’
In the role of National Chair, I get asked all sorts of questions from what the Home Secretary is ‘really’ like to whether I get nervous doing interviews on TV - yes, I do! However, when I’m asked what the best part of my role
is, it is easy to answer. It’s meeting and speaking with our colleagues. I spend a lot of time speaking with officers who are facing horrendous situations. These range from severe injuries to going through a Post-Incident Procedure or, in some cases, just going through a tough time in their own lives.
Knowing there are colleagues who are suffering is
never nice. However, it’s a privilege to be able to call these members and add to the fantastic support they will be receiving from their local branch and Fed reps. What really surprises me is how a simple phone call can mean so much. Just taking a moment to listen, and to offer support, helps to show them they’re not on their own and, no matter what they’re going through, we are there for them at both a local and national level.
31 I POLICE I JUNE 2021
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
