Page 15 - BedFed Dec2018 Flipbook

Continued from Page 13
It was a natural progression. Never once regretted it he said
“In these days of austerity, the Federation plays a vital role in supporting members and bringing their views into the national arena. Cuts do have consequences as we all know and in these days, where everyone wants a little more out of you, the Federation can assist in making sure this doesn’t result in breaking officers.”
Chris has a special interest in health and safety issues having taken the basic and advanced Federation courses. He has also completed the Fed rep’s initial training and the treasurer’s course.
Sarah Trew
Sarah has already found that the little touches in her new role as Federation rep can make a difference to officers.
Sarah, who has
served the Force for
16 years, says a text
or an email to a colleague can go a long way to making them feel supported.
She said: “Although I am new to the role, I have found it really rewarding just being able to support people with the odd email or text so people know you actually care and they have someone to talk to when the feel alone.”
Sarah added: “I am happy to offer support to anyone and I know that sometimes that’s just a text or a short call to put people’s minds at ease.
“I have 16 years’ experience and have worked in several roles from front-line patrol to FCR. I have two small children and have been through the rigmarole of flexible and part-time working applications and I have been in the position where things have not gone my way. I’m happy to share my experiences.”
Indeed, it is those experiences that played a big part in her decision to become a rep.
Sarah, who is based in the Public Protection Unit support hub, explained: “As a restricted officer for six years after an injury on duty, I have had my fair share of the good, the bad and the ugly.
“I know without (Bedfordshire Police Federation chair) Jim Mallen’s help several years back I would not be here to tell the tale.
“I wanted to be a Fed rep to share my experiences and make sure no matter the personal agenda everyone is treated fairly.
“The way I see it is that all of us need to pull together and support each other in the future.”
Sarah is already members’ secretary to the Force’s DAWN group. “Alongside the Federation, we offer support and guidance to officers who are struggling with bad health and disability,” she explained.
And, now in her role with the Federation, she is determined to bring back ‘the family feel’ around the Force.
“I believe our biggest struggle is getting morale back to people who are exhausted and had enough of hearing the same excuses when they have rest days cancelled,” she said.
“Goodwill has got us so far in this Force but as I see people leaving the organisation and I wonder how long that can go on for.
“I hope we can get the family feel back to our Force that was definitely present when I joined 16 years ago.”
Graeme Twyford
Graeme says the challenges facing the Force and the Federation are wide and numerous.
But Graeme, a
detective sergeant in
the Internet Child
Abuse Investigation
Team based at Force Headquarters, feels he can make a difference after becoming a new Federation rep.
“What are the challenges ahead for the Force, Bedfordshire Police Federation and the service in general?” asked Graeme, whose special area of interest is misconduct.
“Remaining current, relevant and representative of our workforce members, maintaining a productive meaningful dialogue with the Government and challenging the dominance of the Independent Office for Police Conduct.”
So why, after 26 years’ of service to the Force, did Graeme want to become a Federation rep?
“I had witnessed first-hand the fine support, counsel and direction that Beds Fed had provided on a number of significant cases,” he said.
“The officers’ testimony was compelling and acted as considerable encouragement. I believed, with my service to date, it was the
right and proper thing to do.”
With more than a quarter of a century
service behind him, Graeme admitted there was still room for him to learn. And he wants his personal growth to be for the benefit of fellow officers.
He said: “I feel I will be able to support colleagues by upskilling, by gaining increased exposure leading to enhanced capability, and by confidence and competence.”
Darren Welch
Darren is happy to support officers in any way he can.
He first became a
Federation rep in
2014 and has 17
years’ experience,
including in his
current role in the
community safety
team licensing in Luton. And Darren says he is there for anyone who needs his help.
“How do I feel I can support colleagues? In any way I can,” he said. “If I can’t help them then I’m sure I can help them find someone else who can. It is primarily about offering support. Feel free to come and chat about any Fed-related stuff anytime!”
He added: “I just feel that I am in a good position to help others that may not be as confident of the rules and regulations that govern us.
I seem to have a thing for health and safety issues or it has for me!”
Darren has completed his initial rep’s course, the misconduct course and is looking to attend a health and safety course in the new year.
He admitted being a rep can be time- consuming but that the appreciation from his colleagues makes it worthwhile.
He said: “The most challenging part of the work is trying to find the time in between your normal role. The most rewarding part is when anyone just says the words thank you.”
Nevertheless, Darren is aware of some of the challenges facing the Force, the Federation and the police service generally in the times ahead.
“We need to able to deal with a fast evolving organisation with lots of members who are young in service,” he said “Obviously the cuts to budgets will continue to impact on all of us.”
Keep up to date at
www.beds.polfed.org
15