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 50p 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 found the federation office staff and in particular Linda to be friendly, efficient and informative, and maintained confidentiality with sensitive personal information"

Dominic

"An excellent service was provided by both the Federation and Russell Jones and Walker solicitors throughout the process of my claim"

Anon

"My own circumstances involved the death of my 2 year old daughter and a medical negligence claim.  This is now in its final stage after a lengthy and protracted enquiry.  The assistance given to my family and I by the police Federation has been outstanding.  I have felt 100% supported by them and it has been reassuring to us knowing we had that support.  I cannot thank the federation enough.  Thank you.

Joe

"Many thanks for your prompt action.  Another example of the efficiency of the Federation Office"

Andy