About your Federation

Gwent Chairman, Jeff Mapps	Gwent Secretary, Mike Vaughan

The Police Federation is the body that represents the interests of all Police Officers in England and Wales from the ranks of Constable to Inspector (including Chief Inspector). It was established by the Police Act in 1919, following strike action by many officers. It is often referred to as the 'police union' in the press, but there are several vital differences between the Federation and a union. Police officers are not now allowed to go on strike, and the Federation is not associated with any political party or trades unions. The Federation is funded by monthly subscriptions from officers - there is no cost to the public. The Federation works on two levels, local and national.

On a national level, the Federation negotiates with Government and other bodies on issues such as police pay and conditions. It often comments on matters affecting the service in the national press, and holds an annual conference which is attended by delegates from across the country. It produces publications such as 'Police' magazine and a news letter.

Locally, the Federation represents officers in discussions with senior officers, the police authority and other bodies. A vital role is as a 'friend' to represent individual officers who are the subject of allegations against them of a criminal or civil nature. Legal advice is provided to officers by solicitors paid for by the Federation. The Federation also represents officers who have been the subject of discrimination, for example of a sexual or racial nature, and representatives who undertake these tasks are specially trained for the role. Federation representatives are police officers, and the majority undertake their Federation duties in their spare time, in addition to full police duties. They are elected locally every three years (elections in Gwent were held in November 2004). Representatives are not paid for their Federation role, although they can claim expenses for some activities, such as travelling. The Federation is arranged in 'Branch Boards' - you can find out more about how these work by selecting the appropriate link from the menu on the left.

The Federation also negotiates deals for it's members with certain companies, and Gwent has a life and travel insurance scheme that is tailored to the needs of police officers.

If you are an officer in Gwent and you want to know more about the Federation, or perhaps are interested in becoming a Federation representative, please contact the Federation Office.