Announcement regarding the first Panel meeting of the Independent Review of the Police Federation

The first Panel meeting of the Independent Review of the Police Federation was held at the RSA. It agreed the terms of reference of the review as previously published (see notes below). The meeting agreed next steps with regards to the formal launch of the Review consultation.

Sir David Normington, Chairman of the Review Panel, said:

"The Panel was absolutely clear that our independence throughout this process is sacrosanct. This Review will consult extensively across the Police Federation as well as seeking expert and wider stakeholder evidence. We will be transparent about how the Review process is being managed and we will be consulting all at levels and ranks of the organisation. Our intention is clear: we wish to produce a report that will have considered very carefully the ways in which the Police Federation can properly represent its members whilst serving the public interest in a rapidly changing environment. We will ensure that those with a stake in the Police Federation have an opportunity to have a say as the Review consultation gets underway."

The Independent Review will be launching a formal consultation process following the Police Federation conference which concludes on May 16th 2013.

Notes for editors

1. Terms of Reference

To conduct an independent review of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW). The Review will consider whether changes are required to any aspect of the Police Federation’s operation or structure in order to ensure that it continues to promote the public good as well as meeting its statutory obligation to represent the interests and welfare of its members and the efficiency of the police service.

The Review will consider, in particular, the degree to which improvements are necessary 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

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 Joint Central Committee 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. 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.

2. The panel consists of:

• 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

3. Contact for further details

For any information on the Independent Review contact RSA Head of Media Luke Robinson on 020 7451 6893 or 07799 737 970 or email Luke Robinson.