About the Federation
Representing our members
The Police Federation is a staff association that represents more than 3000 British Transport Police officers, including Special Constables. Our members hold every rank from Constable to Chief Inspector.
Our remit is broad; defined in the Police Act 1964 as "welfare and efficiency". This means we can act on a huge range of issues relating to our members or the force such as pay, pensions, allowances and leave, and conditions of service.
BTP Federation is governed by a constitution, which you can read here.
Support available from the Federation
We can provide free legal advice and representation for many issues including criminal, discipline, traffic and personal injury. We can also provide legal advice and representation for unlawful discrimination and pension appeals. Support includes:
Free legal advice for members facing criminal proceedings when on duty
Advice and assistance when giving evidence at inquests
Welfare advice and assistance for personal issues
Legal advice to members charged with an offence while driving on duty
Legal advice and representation for discipline issues
Advice by a trained 'friend' for all discipline matters
Advice and assistance with civil claims and Industrial Injuries claims
Personal Public Liability cover
Assist with Fairness at Work issues
Advice and assistance for sexual, racial or other discriminatory harassment
Support defamation proceedings (in certain circumstances) on behalf of members
Provide representation at Employment Tribunals
Signposting to pensions advice
This list is not exhaustive. We may not be able to resolve every dispute and problem as our members might wish but where there is justification to intervene, we will do our very best. Alongside the core services we provide, we also arrange member services such as the Group Insurance Scheme.
Governance
At a force level the Federation is represented within the Senior Management Team, at force JCC, the Health and Safety Co-ordinating Committee, the National Negotiating Meeting (NMM), Professional Standards Committee, and Strategic Welfare.
The Chair and General Secretary are members of the United Kingdom Police Remuneration Forum (UKPRF) which covers aspects of pay reform as well as matters concerning the management of police forces and professional subjects such as recruitment, training, promotion, discipline, police strengths and operational systems.
The Federation is divided into seven divisional committees. Each divisional committee appoints a Chair and Secretary along with delegates to look after welfare and health and safety, as well as dealing with local management on matters affecting their members.
Three Management Board meetings take place each year. The Management Board comprises the Chair and Secretary of each division and the National Executive. All delegates meet once a year at the Federation's Annual Conference.
Finances
The Federation must be properly financed, and this is the main purpose of levying subscriptions. Funds are primarily used to provide legal assistance, practical support and information to our members, as well as training and support for Federation reps.
We maintain an office in West Dulwich, London, where we employ two members of admin staff and an in-house solicitor. We also retain the services of specialist accountants and receive regular advice from our bank.