Cheshire Police Federation Cheshire Police Federation

Every year, police officers are asked how they feel.

And since the coronavirus pandemic, their answer has been the same: morale is lower than before.

The Police Federation of England and Wales’ annual Pay and Morale Survey seeks members’ views on pay and conditions, as well as their attitudes to work and the police service in general.

Host Andrew Simpson is joined by Jamie Thompson, the Cheshire Police Federation branch chairman, to discuss what the 2023 edition’s results reveal.

Do officers from Cheshire Constabulary have empathy with their colleagues nationally?

And what are the risks if police self-esteem isn’t repaired?

Previous episodes like this one

It’s good to talk, especially if people want to listen

If morale is the state of mind, then policing has a problem

Keep the faith; on regaining the public’s trust in policing

Get in touch with us!

Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on X at @CheshirePolFed

If you can communicate effectively, then engagement is more likely.

Is that true? The Cheshire Police Federation podcast returns with a conversation about a word that has several meanings.

Branch chairman Jamie Thompson joins host Andrew Simpson to explain how his role demands engagement with different actors on a daily basis.

One such group is MPs; why talk to them? And what are the potential benefits?

Together they discuss the reasons police officers might be more reluctant to engage than in the past, and assess whether withdrawing from the pay review process has been an effective strategy for the Police Federation of England and Wales.

Previous episodes like this one

How to rate a pay offer, with Jamie Thompson

If morale is the state of mind, then policing has a problem

What really is the value of nothing?

Get in touch with us!

Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on X at @CheshirePolFed

How comforting is it to talk to somebody who empathises with the way you’re feeling?

This episode explores the power of personal connection, and identifies how that can be applied practically to assist police officers.

Host Andrew Simpson is joined by Dan Lever, equality and wellbeing lead for Cheshire Police Federation, who together with David Cain is ready to launch 4092 Men’s Talk Group.

David is the founder of ‘Prevention Through Connection’, which helps organisations to look after their employees’ mental health.

Dan also shares his memories of PC Stephen Powell, a popular member of the Cheshire and North Wales Police Dogs Unit who died in September 2023. 

His collar number provides the name for the new peer support group.

Previous episodes like this one

On seeking support from sources that may not seem obvious

If morale is the state of mind, then policing has a problem

Managing money in a crisis: truths, tips, and avoiding trouble

Get in touch with us!

Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed

One of the ways Cheshire Police Federation connects to the communities that its members serve is by supporting good causes.

Branch chairman Jamie Thompson tells host Andrew Simpson why doing so gives him satisfaction, and celebrates the benefits he’s seen from doing something for others.

A major fundraising event in the calendar is an annual dinner co-hosted by the Cheshire Police Federation and the Chief Constable of Cheshire Constabulary, which this year raised money for volunteer group the Nantwich Buddies.

Founder, Liz Parkin, and volunteer co-ordinator, Sara Lamond, share their story and describe how proceeds donated by the police family will impact how they can help those most in need.

To keep an eye on what the Nantwich Buddies do next, follow them on Facebook.

Previous episodes like this one

‘Cops for Ukraine’ and for each other; why solidarity matters

On protecting volunteers and hearing their voices, with Jamie Thompson

Steph Allinson on embracing bravery

Get in touch with us!

Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed

Following a review this year, the Government has proposed that police officers suspected of gross misconduct should be sacked automatically if the allegation is proven. 

Chief constables, or other senior officers, will also be given greater powers – including chairing a three-person panel at disciplinary hearings – if the changes become law.

What will the impact be?

Dave Howard, Conduct and Performance Liaison Officer for the Cheshire Police Federation, tells host Andrew Simpson the possible consequences.

He explains too why the Home Secretary’s recommendations may not result in bolstered public confidence in policing, and identifies where there has been a missed opportunity to address known flaws in the police officer dismissals process.   

Previous episodes mentioned in this one

If morale is the state of mind, then policing has a problem

If conference instructs, what have we learned?

What happens to a police officer when an allegation is made against them?

Get in touch with us!

Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed

Police officers have discovered that their pay will rise by seven per cent from September.

It provides respite, but pressure on their pockets won’t relent.

Cheshire Police Federation chairman Jamie Thompson tells host Andrew Simpson what the impact will be on his members’ personal finances.

He outlines too the challenge of articulating a response everybody agrees with, and explains why the method for deciding policy pay awards must change.

The Police Remuneration Review Body’s 2023 report for England and Wales is available to read here.

Previous episodes mentioned in this one

If morale is the state of mind, then policing has a problem

Jamie Thompson on whether this pay uplift is actually uplifting

What really is the value of nothing?

Get in touch with us!

Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed