Ian Poultney, JBB Secretary

Who are we?

As the body which represents 99.9% of serving police officers in Cumbria from the rank of Constable to Chief Inspector, the Police Federation of England and Wales is the voice of the police service. It's a voice which is heard regularly on TV, radio and in the press as we campaign on your behalf and work tirelessly to ensure that you and fellow officers are given a fair deal financially, legally and professionally.

It's a voice, which is heard by Government, opposition parties and within the House of Lords.

We are also at the other end of a telephone when you need us.

What can we do for you?

The Federation negotiates on all aspects of pay, allowances, hours of duty, annual leave and pensions. It is consulted when police regulations are made, dealing with training, promotion and discipline. It takes an active interest in a wide range of subjects, which affect the police service, and puts forward views on your behalf. As a result, the Federation is more than a staff association. It is also a professional body able to influence not only living standards through pay and benefits, but also the development of professional standards.

Here are some of the things we do for you:

• Provide free legal advice and assistance to members facing criminal proceedings for any offence, when on duty
• Negotiate nationally on Police pay and Conditions
• Provide welfare advice and help with personal issues
• Offer legal assistance to members charged with an offence when driving on duty
• Provide advice and representation at disciplinary hearings
• Help with civil claims and Industrial Injury claims
• Update police equipment and uniform
• Give cover for personal public liability
• Assist with Grievance procedures
• Offer advice to anyone suffering sexual, racial or other discriminatory harassment
• Maintain professional reputations during defamation proceedings to clear officers' names
• Provide representation at Employment Tribunals
• Offer financial advice and debt counselling
• Give pensions advice, and
• Improve training

How are we structured?

Each police force has a branch of the Police Federation, with three separate committees, known as branch boards, elected by the three separate ranks respectively. Every member is entitled to vote for a local representative of the appropriate rank. Each Branch Board has a representative for female members. On matters that effect all the ranks the branch boards will sit together as a Joint Branch Board and negotiate local conditions of service with the Chief Officer. Local and department representatives will negotiate with their senior commanders on local issues.

Each year the Police Negotiating Board (PNB) reviews police pay according to an agreed formula. Conditions of service (i.e. pay, allowances, working hours, leave and pensions) are set out in the Police Regulations, which are approved by Parliament. Non-negotiable subjects (e.g. training, promotion and discipline) are dealt with through the Police Advisory Board (PAB). The General Secretary of the Police Federation of England and Wales represents all ranks at national level.

What does the Federation Cost?

For as little as 60p per day you will have the full protection of the Federation for the rest of your working career, not to mention real peace of mind.

If you think this is expensive, think again. How costly would it be to have professional and legal support at your fingertips when you most need them. What if a prisoner dies accidentally in your custody, say a newspaper prints defamatory comments about you or suppose a suspect makes a false allegation against you.

Things people say about us

I received a quick and helpful response from the Federation Office and they dealt with my claim very well and kept me updated.  Thanks for your help"

Carlisle Officer

"A very efficient and professional service all round"

West Cumbrian Officer

"In short, all Federation staff have been excellent throughout"

West Cumbrian Officer

Cumbria Police Federation, Joint Branch Board Office 1, The Green, Carleton Hall, Penrith, Cumbria, CA10 2BA 01768-21 7426/7424/7448/7615 Email: admincumbria@cumbria.polfed.org