Dear colleagues, welcome to this month’s blog. I hope this finds you safe and well. There is quite a lot to tell you about this month, so let’s crack on.
Notting Hill Carnival
The weekend just past (24-25 August) saw this huge annual event take place in London. The leave embargo, cancelled rest days, and alterations to officers’ shifts are an annual occurrence. But what also happens every year is our cops rising to the occasion and responding professionally to the challenges that the day brings.
As you might expect, significant planning goes into the policing response to this event. Ryan Griffiths and I participated in the Silver meetings over the weekend, where we were impressed by the SLT's strong commitment to prioritising welfare. Superintendent Ioannou made it clear she was keen to work with us from the outset, and one of the positive outcomes was that no 12-hour night shifts were rostered.
Thank you to everyone who was on duty for Carnival. It’s not an easy day to police, and four of our colleagues were assaulted. I don’t like to refer to such incidents as ‘minor’ because they all have an impact, but it is a relief to know none of our colleagues sustained serious injuries.
As in previous years, Federation Reps were on the ground to assist and pick up any welfare and wellbeing concerns, or health and safety challenges. With thanks to Ryan Griffiths, Pete Kingham, Paul Miller, JP O’Kane, and Phil Agate for joining me at the event to ensure the views of our members were captured.
Given the size of the deployment, we didn’t get to speak to everyone, so please share any issues or concerns that arose from your time at the event. We will raise these on your behalf and seek a response from the Force.
Awards of Excellence and Annual Conference
It’s coming to the time of year when we will again host our flagship event, the annual Awards of Excellence and conference. There are two different aspects to these two days.
Without a shadow of a doubt, the most humbling occasion each year is our Awards of Excellence. It fills me with pride to see examples of the remarkable work you do. It can often go unnoticed and unrecognised, but it’s crucial that it is noticed and it is recognised.
Thank you to everyone who nominated a colleague for recognition. I only wish that we could capture all the good work that happens across the force each year, but please know the incredible work that you all do is not lost on us.
The second day begins with the open sessions of our conference. It starts with my speech, and this year the Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, has again committed to responding. This is pleasing because we want decision-makers to understand the challenges you face and tell you what they intend to do about them.
Part of the morning is given over to a question-and-answer session with the Chief Constable and members of the BTPA. It’s important that you, our members, play a part in this. If you have a question that you would like to be put to the Chief or the Authority, then please get in touch with your local rep, who will submit it for consideration. Your rep will share the response as soon as possible after the event.
The conference is a learning and development event for reps, so the afternoon session focuses on training and guidance in areas that enable them to assist you with issues you may have at work. Our reps must have the required skillset to help you with whatever may arise.
Stonehaven Derailment
We recently marked the anniversary of the Stonehaven train derailment. It’s wise that we allow ourselves time to pause and think of those who lost their lives in tragic circumstances and consider our colleagues who attended and dealt with the devastation.
I’m grateful that these incidents don’t happen often, but when they do, our professionalism, training and skill set shine through. If this or other recent anniversaries or others have impacted you, please know that there is a range of welfare support available to you.
Federation welfare/wellbeing vehicle
Speaking of welfare and support, the Federation’s first welfare and wellbeing vehicle is currently in its ‘soft launch’ phase. Some of you who were policing at Royal Ascot may have seen the van and enjoyed some of its benefits. Most recently, it has been in Glasgow for a force well-being event.
This vehicle has been purchased for our members, and we want you to get the benefit from it. We will launch it officially at our conference next month, after which time you will be able to read more about it on our website.
In terms of a heads up, each Federation divisional committee has a SPOC for the vehicle, and they are as committed as I am that it will spend as much time in your respective areas as possible. The vehicle can be used for major incidents and planned events, but also for wellbeing and member service events.
If you are aware of major events in your area or would like a particular member service to hold an event with the vehicle in attendance, then please reach out to your reps with your suggestions.
RDIL Repayment
I’m aware that in last month’s blog, your general secretary, Ryan Griffiths, advised about the issues surrounding the RDIL Repayment. Concerned members are still approaching us, stating that they have a significant outstanding balance.
I must reiterate that it is imperative that you go through the outstanding balance with a fine-tooth comb and make sure you’re satisfied that everything is accounted for. If it is not, then please reach out to the Force and respectfully make them aware of any indiscretions. You have to be satisfied that the hours marry up, but if you do have any concerns, then please reach out.
Recent Force meetings
We have recently participated in various meetings with the Force, including the Joint Central Committee (JCC), National Negotiating Meeting (NNM), and the British Transport Police Authority's (BTPA) quarterly meeting.
Each of these meetings has a slightly different purpose and audience, but all provide us with the opportunity to reflect on your views and concerns. We discussed matters including the recent pay award (JCC and BTPA) and the need for it to be approved and received by officers in a timely fashion, rather than having a long wait for a backdated payment.
We also discussed this year’s upcoming budget settlement (JCC and BTPA), and we reiterated our stand that the BTPA must support the Force with a suitable budget. We again requested a multi-year budget settlement, rather than planning a year at a time, in the hope that it brings further stability to the Force.
We must be clear that while decisions may be made in the boardroom, they impact you the most, and that cannot be forgotten.
We again provided our stance on the substance misuse policy (NNM) and our frustration that this has been ongoing for some considerable time. This should have been resolved long before now, and we are working with the Force to approach the Authority to seek a resolution.
Force reset (NNM) was also on the agenda, and it’s an essential and intricate piece of work to carry out. Your General Secretary, Ryan Griffiths, has been leading on this on behalf of the Federation and our membership. We are aware that it’s impacting a lot of areas within the force, notably in the crime department, and your voice must be heard.
If the Force reset impacts your role, then please reach out to your local reps and allow us to take on board your concerns.
Deputy Chief Constable
On behalf of the Federation, I would like to warmly welcome Stuart Cundy to the Force as our new DCC. Stuart comes to us with a wealth of experience from his time with the Surrey and Metropolitan police services. Having spoken to him, I know that he holds the BTP in high regard and that he is looking forward to getting started.
We had strong lines of communication with the previous DCC, and we look forward to this continuing with the new incumbent upon his official start date later in the year.
I hope that you have found this update helpful. Until next time…
Stuart Cowan - Chair of BTP Federation
PS.
PS. A reminder that everything you need to know about the Group Insurance Scheme, from policy documents to claim forms and phone numbers, is available on this dedicated page on our website.
There are still some old RAC cards floating around, as well as very outdated information pinned to noticeboards, which is confusing. Please discard any old materials that are still in circulation, as they could delay you getting the assistance you need. The very latest information on every component of the Group Insurance Scheme is available on this site.