RSA to manage independent review of Police Federation

An independent review into the operation of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) is to be managed by the RSA.

The review will be chaired by Sir David Normington, a former home office permanent secretary, together with Sir Denis O’Connor, Brendan Barber, Professor Linda Dickens, Kathryn Kane, and Dr Neil Bentley.

Since its creation in 1919, the structure and operation of the PFEW has remained largely unaltered. Given the pace of economic, social and technological change, the PFEW’s Joint Central Committee has decided now it’s an appropriate point at which to review the way in which the PFEW works.

The review will consider whether changes are required to any aspect of the Federation’s operation or structure in order to ensure the PFEW:

• Acts as a credible voice for rank and file police officers

• Genuinely serves the public good as well as its members’ interests

• Is able to influence public policy on crime and policing in a constructive manner

• Is an example of organisational democracy and effective decision-making at its best allowing genuine ownership of the organisation by police officers and effective communication between members and the Federation at all levels

• Is recognised as a world class leader in employee voice

Taking up the position as Chair, Sir David Normington GCB said: 

“I am very pleased to have been asked by the Police Federation to chair this review.  The Federation has a proud history of representing and negotiating on behalf of rank and file police officers but, like all organisations, the environment it operates in is continually changing.  I look forward to working with the other members of the review - each of whom brings important experience and expertise - to shape the future of an organisation which is and will remain an important partner in ensuring both the welfare and the efficiency of the police service.”

The review will engage openly with all stakeholders and interested parties, providing opportunities to submit evidence and proposals and to set out views relevant to its remit. The Review will deliver its recommendations to the Chairman and General Secretary of the Police Federation of England and Wales, having regard for:

• Value for money in respect of police officers' subscriptions to the PFEW

• The unique position and responsibilities of the Office of Constable

• The importance of enhancing public confidence in policing

• The impact of its recommendations upon equality and diversity

• Transparency of decision making and the subsequent action taken

The review will detail its findings and recommendations in a report by January 2014.

Notes to editors

1. For more information contact RSA Head of Media Luke Robinson on 020 7451 6893 or 07799 737 970 or Email Luke Robinson.

2. To contact the Police Federation call Felicity Ross, Head of Communications, on 01372 352 014.

3. The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) represents 133,000 police constables, sergeants, inspectors and chief inspectors. The PFEW exists by statute with its constitution set out in legislation, to represent and promote the interests and welfare of its members and the efficiency of the police service.

4. Should the review conclude that changes are required to the operation or structure of the Federation, recommendations should be set out in such a way as to allow for a realistic phased introduction from May 2014.

5. The panel will consist of the following people:

• Sir David Normington GCB – a former home office permanent secretary, and current First Civil Service Commissioner and Commissioner for Public Appointments (Chair).

• Sir Denis O’Connor CBE QPM – former Chief Inspector of Constabulary, he has extensive policing experience at a senior command level and experience of the inter-relationship between all ranks and policing bodies.

• Professor Linda Dickens MBE – Professor of Industrial Relations at the University of Warwick with an acknowledged and extensive record of academic research in the field of management and employment relations.

• Brendan Barber – former General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress (TUC) who retired last year. He brings extensive experience of representing employees and leading a national trade union organisation.

• Kathryn Kane OBE – former local Chair of Merseyside in the Police Federation who will be able to advise on Federation representation at both a force and regional level.

• Dr Neil Bentley – CBI Deputy Director General and Chief Operating Officer, he has an in depth knowledge of the business community and a background in industrial relations and equality & diversity.