‘It’s not how much money you make, but how much of it that you keep.’
That’s how police officers in England and Wales will reflect following an announcement by the Government that they’ll receive a 4.2% pay rise from September.The Police Federation of England and Wales said the latest pay award ‘barely treads water’.
But how do those bobbies working locally feel about a salary increase?
Jamie Thompson, Cheshire Police Federation chairman, tells host Andrew Simpson the answer.They discuss too the valuable contribution by Cheshire Constabulary’s PC Viki Evans and PC Kate Sheehan to the conversation about men’s mental health after the duo was presented with an Inspiration in Policing Award at the recent National Police Bravery Awards.
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That isn’t the case for police officers, who have shared how they feel as part of the latest Pay and Morale Survey
by the Police Federation of England and Wales.
Host Andrew Simpson is joined by Tiff Lynch, acting national chair, and Cheshire Police Federation chairman
Jamie Thompson to talk about what results from the 2024 edition have taught us.
How can the findings be used to affect meaningful change for police serving in Cheshire?
Tiff also introduces ‘Copped Enough’, a new campaign acting as a renewed call for action on issues that officers
everywhere are passionate about.
Plus, news on who will be representing Cheshire Constabulary at the national Police Bravery Awards this
summer.
This special edition is dedicated to the inaugural Cheshire Police Federation Bravery Awards in March.
Host Andrew Simpson was among the guests at Nunsmere Hall, near Northwich, and he took with him a microphone and listened to what those in attendance made of what will hopefully become an annual occasion.
The selflessness and dedication of 18 Cheshire police officers was acknowledged with awards, and we hear from a broad selection of them in this episode.
They tell us how it feels to be recognised in this way, and why it’s important to celebrate the contribution of colleagues who have gone above and beyond their duty.
To read their stories in full, visit the Cheshire Police Federation’s Facebook or LinkedIn pages.
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Cheshire Constabulary’s commitment to keeping people safe was a highlight for inspectors when they visited.
His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has published its report after judging the force’s performance across nine areas of policing.
It was found to have improved or maintained its grading for each of those since the previous inspection.
Jamie Thompson, Cheshire Police Federation chairman, shares his insight during this episode on how that makes police officers feel, and why a positive report is important in shaping public perception.
He also tells host Andrew Simpson how the inspector’s findings inform the branch’s work, both now and in the future.
To read the HMICFRS inspector’s report in full, click here.
To watch a short video produced by Cheshire Constabulary, summarising its response to the findings, click here.
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As the saying goes, ‘No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.’
The first episode of a new year strikes an optimistic note as Cheshire Police Federation chairman, Jamie Thompson, and vice-chairman Dave Howard identify what lies ahead for policing in 2025.
They tell host Andrew Simpson why the branch’s inaugural bravery awards in March is an event worth supporting, and what they hope it will mean to members.
The duo also surveys the national scene, sharing their predictions for what the priorities for policing will be over the next 12 months.
They also reveal what appears at the top of their own personal ‘to do’ lists.
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Do emotions prompted by experiencing trauma impact police officer behaviour?
It’s a question that Lucy Davies, a doctoral researcher for the Open University, intends to answer as part of a new study into the relationship between stress, feelings, and misconduct.
In this episode, she tells host Andrew Simpson and Jamie Thompson, Cheshire Police Federation chairman, why she is interested in this subject and how branch members can assist with her research.
The trio also discuss how the survey’s findings might benefit policing in the future.
If you’re a serving officer and want to know more about the study, or explore the opportunities to participate, then you’ll find further details here.
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In May of this year, Labour’s Dan Price was elected as the third Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire since the post’s creation in 2012.
In this episode, he tells host Andrew Simpson how he intends to approach the role and what it’s like to start a new job while in the public eye.
Cheshire Police Federation chairman, Jamie Thompson, talks too about the branch’s relationship with PCCs past and present, and describes ways they can help each other.
Both guests also answer the question; how do police officers benefit when the two identify a common purpose?
To learn more about the Police and Crime Commissioner’s work, visit his website.
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Every year, police officers are asked how they feel.
And since the coronavirus pandemic, their answer has been the same: morale is lower than before.
The Police Federation of England and Wales’ annual Pay and Morale Survey seeks members’ views on pay and conditions, as well as their attitudes to work and the police service in general.
Host Andrew Simpson is joined by Jamie Thompson, the Cheshire Police Federation branch chairman, to discuss what the 2023 edition’s results reveal.
Do officers from Cheshire Constabulary have empathy with their colleagues nationally?
And what are the risks if police self-esteem isn’t repaired?
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If you can communicate effectively, then engagement is more likely.
Is that true? The Cheshire Police Federation podcast returns with a conversation about a word that has several meanings.
Branch chairman Jamie Thompson joins host Andrew Simpson to explain how his role demands engagement with different actors on a daily basis.
One such group is MPs; why talk to them? And what are the potential benefits?
Together they discuss the reasons police officers might be more reluctant to engage than in the past, and assess whether withdrawing from the pay review process has been an effective strategy for the Police Federation of England and Wales.
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How comforting is it to talk to somebody who empathises with the way you’re feeling?
This episode explores the power of personal connection, and identifies how that can be applied practically to assist police officers.
Host Andrew Simpson is joined by Dan Lever, equality and wellbeing lead for Cheshire Police Federation, who together with David Cain is ready to launch 4092 Men’s Talk Group.
David is the founder of ‘Prevention Through Connection’, which helps organisations to look after their employees’ mental health.
Dan also shares his memories of PC Stephen Powell, a popular member of the Cheshire and North Wales Police Dogs Unit who died in September 2023.
His collar number provides the name for the new peer support group.
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Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
One of the ways Cheshire Police Federation connects to the communities that its members serve is by supporting good causes.
Branch chairman Jamie Thompson tells host Andrew Simpson why doing so gives him satisfaction, and celebrates the benefits he’s seen from doing something for others.
A major fundraising event in the calendar is an annual dinner co-hosted by the Cheshire Police Federation and the Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary, which this year raised money for volunteer group the Nantwich Buddies.
Founder, Liz Parkin, and volunteer co-ordinator, Sara Lamond, share their story and describe how proceeds donated by the police family will impact how they can help those most in need.
To keep an eye on what the Nantwich Buddies do next, follow them on Facebook.
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Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
Following a review this year, the Government has proposed that police officers suspected of gross misconduct should be sacked automatically if the allegation is proven.
Chief constables, or other senior officers, will also be given greater powers – including chairing a three-person panel at disciplinary hearings – if the changes become law.
What will the impact be?
Dave Howard, Conduct and Performance Liaison Officer for the Cheshire Police Federation, tells host Andrew Simpson the possible consequences.
He explains too why the Home Secretary’s recommendations may not result in bolstered public confidence in policing, and identifies where there has been a missed opportunity to address known flaws in the police officer dismissals process.
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Police officers have discovered that their pay will rise by seven per cent from September.
It provides respite, but pressure on their pockets won’t relent.
Cheshire Police Federation chairman Jamie Thompson tells host Andrew Simpson what the impact will be on his members’ personal finances.
He outlines too the challenge of articulating a response everybody agrees with, and explains why the method for deciding policy pay awards must change.
The Police Remuneration Review Body’s 2023 report for England and Wales is available to read here.
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Get in touch with us!
Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
Like most of us, PC Jim Clark watched the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a bystander from afar last year.
In 2023, that changed.
The Cheshire Police Federation workplace representative, together with colleague PC Rob Stordy, launched Cops for Ukraine in February with the objective of raising money to pay for vital equipment, supplies, and aid that can be sent to police officers in the country impacted by the ongoing war.
Already, a sum close to £5,500 has been pledged.
PC Clark, part of Cheshire Constabulary’s rural crime team, tells host Andrew Simpson what motivated him to start the campaign and what he hopes it can achieve.
He talks too about the logistic challenges involved.
Want to follow the story?
Cops for Ukraine posts updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
You can donate to the campaign through its JustGiving page.
Get in touch with us!
Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
A new study claims trust in the police is fragile, with close to seven in 10 respondents believing the service has given up on trying to solve crimes like vandalism or shoplifting.
Among those who have been a victim of crime, most said they are unsatisfied with the police response.
How did we get here?
Steve Hartshorn, chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, and Tiff Lynch, his deputy on the national board, join Cheshire branch chair Jamie Thompson to discuss exactly that.
In this episode, host Andrew Simpson asks:
How does a lack of trust make the police’s job harder?
How do rank-and-file officers feel about not being able to provide the service they need to?
What part does the Federation, at national and local level, have to play in restoring trust?
Want to find out more?
More In Common’s report, titled ‘Where are the police?’, can be accessed here.
Read Tiff Lynch’s blog, ‘Building public confidence in policing’
Get in touch with us!
Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
On seeking support from sources that may not seem obvious
Can police officers learn about managing their mental health from colleagues who do similar jobs?
The emergency services peer community, an online space to compare experiences and share knowledge, aims to find out exactly that.
It is the brainchild of Eleos Partnership and Tim Rushmere, one of its co-founders, tells host Andrew Simpson why this innovation can make a difference.
Dan Lever, Cheshire Police Federation’s full-time wellbeing and equality lead, joins them to explain why he is fully behind the initiative.
Together the trio discuss the importance of empathy in the emergency services, and the common challenges to emotional wellbeing posed by working in them.
Want to know more about the emergency services peer community?
Eleos Partnership’s dedicated page is a good place to start.
To join the group, located initially on LinkedIn, click here.
Get in touch with us!
Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
Results from the latest Pay and Morale Survey prompted the Police Federation of England and Wales to conclude that officers are close to breaking point.
Many are questioning whether they can afford to stay in policing amid the cost-of-living crisis, and close to one in five respondents said they plan on quitting the job.
How seriously should we take them?
And what impact does worrying every day about money have on an officer’s ability to do their duty?
Jamie Thompson, Cheshire Police Federation chairman, answers those questions as well as sharing how he plans to use the data to identify the branch’s priorities for 2023.
Want to know more about the Pay and Morale Survey?
The PFEW’s dedicated resource page is a good place to start.
You can read the 2022 edition’s Headline Report here.
Get in touch with us!
Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
The way officers feel – about their jobs, how they’re portrayed, and who really appreciates them – has dominated discourse on policing throughout 2022.
Branch chairman Jamie Thompson is invited by host Andrew Simpson to join the dots between issues that matter most to Cheshire Police Federation members.
Together they reflect on the past 12 months, selecting highlights, revisiting the biggest challenges and identifying lessons to learn.
In this episode, we discuss:
How successful has the Federation been in its fight for fairness?
Why a change in the law is proof that campaigning with gusto can produce results
What is the mood of members heading into 2023?
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Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
A campaign by the Police Federation of England and Wales for special constables to join its ranks resulted in a law change earlier this year.
Now, volunteer officers can apply for membership and enjoy the benefits of representation and protection unavailable to them previously.
Jamie Birtles, a special constable in Cheshire, tells host Andrew Simpson why that is important.
Meanwhile, branch chairman Jamie Thompson explains why his experience as a volunteer shapes his opinion and how the perception of special constables has changed over time.
In this episode, we ask:
What do special constables have now that they didn’t previously?
Why is it important that volunteer offices join the Federation?
How has the contribution from special constables to policing evolved?
Interested in joining the Federation?
Special constables can find out more about membership here.
Get in touch with us!
Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
If close to half of police officers in Cheshire were worrying daily about money last winter, then how do they feel about their circumstances now?
Dan Lever, equality and wellbeing lead for Cheshire Police Federation, tells host Andrew Simpson what impact poor financial wellbeing has on performance.
And, against the backdrop of inflation in the UK reaching double digits for the first time in 40 years, Tom Howban and Adam Norris from Reflect Financial recommend practical steps officers can take straightaway to ease pressure on themselves and their families.
In this episode, we ask
What difference does the public sector pay award make to police officers in the context of rising cost of living?
Where can members go to ask for advice or help?
Is there a need to improve financial literacy in the police and the country more broadly?
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Get in touch with us!
Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed