Interim report on independent review of PFEW points to need for ‘urgent’ reform

The RSA Action and Research Centre has released an interim progress report on its independent review of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) which states it “must change and change fundamentally”.

While the preliminary findings, published on October 30, stress the perceived importance of the PFEW`s role, the report states that its effectiveness is “almost universally questioned – from inside and out”. It claims that the PFEW`s own members are “deeply unhappy”, especially at the national level of engagement, and are “demanding improvement and change”.

Sixty-four per cent of members polled said they were dissatisfied with the PFEW`s overall performance. However, while 91 per cent agreed that the PFEW ought to change, a scant 29 per cent felt it was capable of it.

Accordingly, the progress report begins to set out a proposed programme of reform, although only in broad terms, as the details will be forthcoming in the final report.

The report specifically points to the damage the Pleb-gate scandal has done to the perceived integrity of the police as being a key element in internal and external dissatisfaction, and states that it underlines the “urgent need for change, not just in the organisation and representative structure of the Federation, but crucially in its cultures and behaviours”.

The report concludes: “If the Federation is to succeed in the future, the membership need to get behind those leaders who want the Federation to stand for all that is best in policing.”

The PFEW, in a statement issued on October 30, welcomed the interim report, but labelled its findings as “worrying”. It pointed out that its chair, Steve Williams, initiated the review and agreed “the [PFEW] is an organisation that is in need of change”.

“We look forward to receiving the final report and the opportunity to work with our partners in developing an organisation that not only will serve its members, but also the best interests of the police service of England and Wales,” the statement said.

The report also recommended:

•The PFEW needs a national database of members to communicate directly on key issues;

•Local support is a strength but not consistent enough, particularly with regards to ‘protected characteristics’;

•Members are demanding change and want to see more evidence that their views are being listened to; and

•The current rank structure is not necessary or effective.

Commissioned in spring of this year, and chaired by Sir David Normington, the First Civil Service Commissioner for the UK Government, the independent review has been tasked with identifying the PFEW’s strengths and weaknesses and providing recommendations for improvement where appropriate.

The consultative process has included two independent surveys, 14 evidence sessions with stakeholders and eight regional consultations. There were also focus groups, one-to-one meetings and an online consultation. In all, it claims to have engaged more than 15,000 members.

Taking the PFEW`s own Terms of Reference as its guidelines, the review is examining fundamental questions such as whether it “acts as a credible voice for rank and file police officers” and “genuinely serves the public good as well as its members’ interests”. Also under consideration are the issues of value for money, transparency and public confidence.

The RSA’s final report is expected to be published mid-January 2014 and will detail the steps and timescale for the proposed reforms.