Colleagues, a belated Happy New Year (when do we stop saying Happy New Year?!) and a warm welcome to the first blog of 2025. There is plenty to update you on, so I will get into it.
Budget Challenges
Most of you will be aware of the recent budget settlement the BTPA provided the force with at the start of December. Those who haven’t been made aware can watch the full Authority meeting on YouTube, and the associated public papers can be read on the BTPA website.
We simply don’t know how this is going to play out yet. Other than that, the Force faces significant challenges due to the frustrating settlement that they have been provided with. This, in turn, means significant challenges are placed on you, our members.
Potential station closures have already been discussed extensively. We know several offices are at risk of closure. There may also be ramifications for the Force’s Optimised Policing Model. We are cognisant of the impact of this on you. We can’t have uncertainty, and we continue to encourage the Force to ensure clear and concise communication around this.
We also now know that this is starting to impact functions within the force. For example, the Behavioural Detection Officers (BDOs) have been informed that their role is being removed due to having to cut costs.
Again, we have no further information at the time of typing this blog. Despite this, I am aware of commentary stating that the Federation Executive was part of the consultation process. Let me assure you that we have had zero consultations during this process. It simply hasn’t taken place. What I can assure everyone reading this is that when we do have information we can share, we absolutely will share it. I have always said communication is key, and it’s never been more important than it is now.
Should you have any concerns or fears about this, please reach out to your local reps. You can find your local rep via our website. I encourage everyone to be wary of the rumour mill with this. As a Federation, we will not deal with rumours and will only provide you with factual information.
London Allowance
Staying with finances, we are aware of an announcement about the City of London Police's decision to proceed with an increase in the London Allowance from April this year.
Following last year’s pay award, we were disappointed by our Force’s reticence to pay this increased allowance until the other forces in London did so. With this recent news and being mindful of the current budget challenges, we are seeking discussions with the BTPA to stress the need for them to support the Force in ensuring our officers in London have suitable parity with other colleagues policing the capital.
We will keep you updated on developments as this progresses.
Roadshows
I was recently joined by Mark Marshallsay, Ryan Griffiths and Jamie Baker to participate in the first in a series of roadshows to meet our members. On this occasion, we met our officers at Exeter and Truro. image below).
First and foremost, it was great to meet with them. It was an opportunity for all of us to have an open and honest conversation about various matters. We got to hear how they feel about things and an understanding of the challenges they face. It was also timely as this is an area with uncertainty given the budget and potential closures.
Our officers must feel valued and have a sense of worth for what they do. You should always have the best possible conditions as well. This isn’t about luxuries but basic amenities like your own working toilets, separate areas to take statements, and areas to sit, decompress and have meal breaks. Things that should be a given. It’s also tough when you are isolated and facing lone working, something that I’ll never support; having experienced this myself on many occasions I know what a lonely existence this can be.
It’s important to me that these roadshow visits are not seen as lip service but are viewed for what they are: a legitimate opportunity to connect with you, our members, hear from you directly and look to assist where we can.
We took several actions from our visits to Exeter and Truro, which I’ve already raised both at a Divisional and Force SLT level. We have provided an update to those who were present, as we have already begun to make progress on some of the issues raised.
We will be out about more in the coming weeks and months and look forward to visiting areas in B, C and D Division. We will ensure we publicise where and when we will be should you wish to attend.
Management Board Meeting
We recently held our latest management board meeting with your local reps who sit on the board. It’s another excellent opportunity to hear the issues, concerns and good news stories happening in your areas.
Many common themes and frustrations are occurring throughout your divisions that we continue to try and improve. These include annual leave and roster challenges, the length of time PSD investigations are taking (including timely updates to those under investigation) and health and safety concerns in the workplace. We also provided updates on the recently purchased Federation Welfare Vehicle – there will be more on that in next month’s blog.
We will continue to work with the force to ensure you have the best conditions in these areas and will strive to communicate with you, often through your local reps, to make you aware of any positive changes.
7/7 Anniversary Documentary
The recent BBC documentary about the terror attacks of 7/7 will have, understandably, brought back a lot of emotion, memories and thoughts to those who were involved in the atrocities almost 20 years ago. Anyone who has watched the documentary would have been touched by it. I can’t imagine what it was like for those on duty that day and the following days.
I’d echo the supportive comments made by the Chief Constable and stress that it’s vital that if you are reading this and have been impacted by the programme and memories of that traumatic day that, you please reach out for support. There will be those amongst you who were involved in the response or had loved ones, friends and colleagues who were involved. It may have got you thinking about other events that had left their mark on you; this isn’t uncommon.
Several supportive outlets are available to you, both internally and externally. We have compiled a list here, including contact details.
PC Rosie Prior and PS Ben Websdale
It’s with great sorrow that we became aware of the death of PC Rosie Prior of North Yorkshire Police. Rosie was on duty on Saturday, 11 January, and was responding to a traffic incident when she was struck and killed by an HGV.
Just days later, we learned of the sad death of Sussex Police Officer and Federation Rep PS Ben Websdale.
Policing is a difficult job for lots of different reasons. It’s not just a job; it impacts all aspects of our lives. Rosie and Ben’s respective families, friends, colleagues and loved ones are in our thoughts. May they both rest in peace.
Awards of Excellence
I will close this month’s blog by telling you that nominations are now open for this year’s Federation Awards of Excellence. While the awards night doesn’t occur until later this year, we’re looking for nominations right now!
We know that outstanding work is happening in BTP day in and day out. We also know many of you don’t seek praise for that exceptional work. But why should that be the case? We want to celebrate the great work that you and your peers do.
If you would like to nominate a colleague (or several), the categories are:
Team of the year
Cop of the year.
Special of the year
Investigative work of the year
Chairs Award
I’m so proud of the work you all do, and it’s essential that we shine a light on all that’s good with the British Transport Police.
I hope that you have found this blog useful. Please stay safe, and I look forward to speaking with you again soon.
All the best
Stuart Cowan, Chair of BTP Federation