Hello and welcome to the latest edition of my blog. I hope that this finds you all safe and well.
The sad loss of PC Mark Littledale
Like many of you, I was saddened to learn of PC Mark Littledale's death. While our paths hadn’t crossed, I know how well thought of Mark was. Members in the southwest have described him as a hard worker, but more so as a kind man who always had time for his colleagues.
Mark began his policing career as a PCSO. He had been a PC at Bristol Temple Meads since 2017 but recently stepped up as a Temporary Sergeant.
Our thoughts are with those Mark leaves behind, including his teammates.
Meeting with DCC Stuart Cundy
I will begin the blog by recapping some of the meetings I alluded to in the previous update. Firstly, a number of your reps recently sat down with our new DCC, Stuart Cundy.
This was not only a great opportunity to hear directly from one of our senior leaders, but also a chance for our reps to highlight concerns raised directly by our members. Nothing was off the agenda, and we had honest and open discussions around matters such as professional standards, how we can improve communications and morale within the force, issues around recruitment and training, both police and rail reform, and the current waiting time for matters to be presented at Court.
It was useful to hear the Dep’s views on matters, and I know he welcomed your reps' honest views. Some of the issues we raised won’t be resolved overnight, but we must take opportunities like this to reflect your views and share your frontline experiences.
The meetings we had with our previous DCC were always of great value, and I’m grateful to Mr Cundy for continuing with them and being so generous with his time.
Meeting with the Rail Minister
I’m pleased to report that the meeting with Lord Peter Hendy went ahead as planned. The main matter that I discussed with him was around free rail travel for our officers.
The minister understood my frustrations and was prepared to listen to my view that this is well overdue for our officers. This matter has been on the table for five years. It’s long since got to the stage where we must cut through any bureaucracy and stumbling blocks and finally have a positive resolution to the request.
I know that the force and authority are supportive of our views in this matter, and as and when there is any update, I shall advise you all accordingly.
Meeting with Tricia Hayes
Speaking of the Authority, I’ve also had the opportunity to speak with the recently appointed chair of the BTPA, Tricia Hayes CB. A former civil service Permanent Secretary, Tricia has experience across the Home Office and the Department for Transport. Alongside her BTPA role, Tricia is the Chair of London TravelWatch and sits on the board of Transport Focus.
I received a warm welcome and got a real sense of how passionate Tricia is about supporting our officers and helping on the frontline. Naturally, there will be occasions where this Federation and the Authority don’t agree on matters. Still, I was really impressed that she shared my view that communication is key, and it’s fine to disagree, but even when we do, each side must continue to communicate.
We have extended an invitation to Tricia Hayes to attend our annual conference and participate in the Q&A, so we hope to share more of her views with you soon.
Wellbeing and Welfare
For those who know me, you’ll know that this is an area that I’m passionate about. I strongly believe that this is something everyone in the force can help with.
Checking in with each other costs nothing more than a little time. It’s amazing just how powerful it can be to stop and ask someone how they are. I realised recently that the response you get might take you by surprise. I was talking to one of your Fed reps and asked how they were doing. They smiled and said, ‘Amazing.’ This wasn’t an answer I was expecting, but it really made me smile and had a positive impact on both of us.
That said, we know that a combination of work and home-life pressures can have a negative impact on all of us from time to time, and sometimes a quick chat can make all the difference to someone struggling a bit. It’s not lost on us the challenges and demands within policing - and that’s not going to let up any time soon - so my plea to you is to take a few seconds to enquire how someone is.
If you are finding things difficult, you are not alone, and there are many support mechanisms available to help. We have compiled some information on our website, but with Mental Health Awareness Week just around the corner (11-17 May), we will share more details about these services on our social media channels.
Recording Officer Suicides
Staying with mental wellbeing, I have welcomed the recent news from the NPCC advising that forces must now formally record officer suicides.
One suicide is one suicide too many.
This news brings with it an acknowledgement of occupational risk, recognising that the policing role and exposure to trauma and organisational stress can be relevant factors in officer suicides. This directive will ensure a consistent and transparent national approach, improving confidence in the recorded data. I’m also hopeful that this can help with strengthening investment in well-being services.
It’s all well and good to ensure statistics are recorded, but sadly, that’s an after-the-event action. What about really focusing on early intervention as well? Let’s prioritise how we can prevent someone’s deterioration, ensure better recovery outcomes, and reduce the risk of suicide.
Early intervention can help us reduce stigma, protect families and colleagues, and offer a preventive rather than a reactive approach. There needs to be an organisational approach to this, a police-wide approach, but as individuals, we can also help. Those check-ins I mentioned above can be enough to disrupt someone’s thought patterns, remind them they are valued, and make it easier to have conversations about the support they need.
And finally...
On the topic of valuing officers, I have read some staggering headlines recently. Stories of BTP officers securing convictions for sexual assaults and violence, disrupting County Lines activity, and tackling fraud and theft. Perfect examples of the #BTPBrilliance we look to recognise via our Awards of Excellence.
Please don’t assume someone else will nominate officers who are doing great work. It takes just a few minutes to put a deserving colleague or team forward for an award. You can make your nominations here – why not do it right now?
I hope that you have found this blog useful, and as always, if you have any queries or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out at info@btpfed.co.uk
All the best,
Stuart Cowan - Chair of BTP Federation