Cheshire Police Federation
By Cheshire Police Federation
Cheshire Police FederationNov 30, 2022
S4 Ep1 - It’s good to talk, especially if people want to listen
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
S3 Ep8 - Remembering Powelly, and the power of peer support in policing
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
S3 Ep7 - On lending a helping hand, with Nantwich Buddies
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
S3 Ep6 - Why fix what isn’t broken? With Dave Howard
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
S3 Ep5 - How to rate a pay offer with Jamie Thompson
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
S3 Ep4 - ‘Cops for Ukraine’ and for each other; why solidarity matters
Like most of us, PC Jim Clark watched the Russian invasion of Ukraine as a bystander from afar last year.
In 2023, that changed.
The Cheshire Police Federation workplace representative, together with colleague PC Rob Stordy, launched Cops for Ukraine in February with the objective of raising money to pay for vital equipment, supplies, and aid that can be sent to police officers in the country impacted by the ongoing war.
Already, a sum close to £5,500 has been pledged.
PC Clark, part of Cheshire Constabulary’s rural crime team, tells host Andrew Simpson what motivated him to start the campaign and what he hopes it can achieve.
He talks too about the logistic challenges involved.
Want to follow the story?
Cops for Ukraine posts updates on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
You can donate to the campaign through its JustGiving page.
Get in touch with us!
Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
S3 Ep3 - Keep the faith; on regaining the public’s trust in policing
A new study claims trust in the police is fragile, with close to seven in 10 respondents believing the service has given up on trying to solve crimes like vandalism or shoplifting.
Among those who have been a victim of crime, most said they are unsatisfied with the police response.
How did we get here?
Steve Hartshorn, chair of the Police Federation of England and Wales, and Tiff Lynch, his deputy on the national board, join Cheshire branch chair Jamie Thompson to discuss exactly that.
In this episode, host Andrew Simpson asks:
How does a lack of trust make the police’s job harder?
How do rank-and-file officers feel about not being able to provide the service they need to?
What part does the Federation, at national and local level, have to play in restoring trust?
Want to find out more?
More In Common’s report, titled ‘Where are the police?’, can be accessed here.
Read Tiff Lynch’s blog, ‘Building public confidence in policing’
Get in touch with us!
Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
S3 Ep2 - On seeking support from sources that may not seem obvious
On seeking support from sources that may not seem obvious
Can police officers learn about managing their mental health from colleagues who do similar jobs?
The emergency services peer community, an online space to compare experiences and share knowledge, aims to find out exactly that.
It is the brainchild of Eleos Partnership and Tim Rushmere, one of its co-founders, tells host Andrew Simpson why this innovation can make a difference.
Dan Lever, Cheshire Police Federation’s full-time wellbeing and equality lead, joins them to explain why he is fully behind the initiative.
Together the trio discuss the importance of empathy in the emergency services, and the common challenges to emotional wellbeing posed by working in them.
Want to know more about the emergency services peer community?
Eleos Partnership’s dedicated page is a good place to start.
To join the group, located initially on LinkedIn, click here.
Get in touch with us!
Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
S3 Ep1 - If morale is the state of mind, then policing has a problem
Results from the latest Pay and Morale Survey prompted the Police Federation of England and Wales to conclude that officers are close to breaking point.
Many are questioning whether they can afford to stay in policing amid the cost-of-living crisis, and close to one in five respondents said they plan on quitting the job.
How seriously should we take them?
And what impact does worrying every day about money have on an officer’s ability to do their duty?
Jamie Thompson, Cheshire Police Federation chairman, answers those questions as well as sharing how he plans to use the data to identify the branch’s priorities for 2023.
Want to know more about the Pay and Morale Survey?
The PFEW’s dedicated resource page is a good place to start.
You can read the 2022 edition’s Headline Report here.
Get in touch with us!
Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
Episode 25 - On a year spent fighting for fairness, and plenty more besides
The way officers feel – about their jobs, how they’re portrayed, and who really appreciates them – has dominated discourse on policing throughout 2022.
Branch chairman Jamie Thompson is invited by host Andrew Simpson to join the dots between issues that matter most to Cheshire Police Federation members.
Together they reflect on the past 12 months, selecting highlights, revisiting the biggest challenges and identifying lessons to learn.
In this episode, we discuss:
How successful has the Federation been in its fight for fairness?
Why a change in the law is proof that campaigning with gusto can produce results
What is the mood of members heading into 2023?
Previous episodes mentioned in this one
Is this paylift actually uplifting?
Steph Allinson on embracing bravery
Is the public presented with an accurate portrayal of policing by traditional forms of media?
Get in touch with us!
Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
Episode 24 - On protecting volunteers and hearing their voices, with Jamie Thompson
A campaign by the Police Federation of England and Wales for special constables to join its ranks resulted in a law change earlier this year.
Now, volunteer officers can apply for membership and enjoy the benefits of representation and protection unavailable to them previously.
Jamie Birtles, a special constable in Cheshire, tells host Andrew Simpson why that is important.
Meanwhile, branch chairman Jamie Thompson explains why his experience as a volunteer shapes his opinion and how the perception of special constables has changed over time.
In this episode, we ask:
What do special constables have now that they didn’t previously?
Why is it important that volunteer offices join the Federation?
How has the contribution from special constables to policing evolved?
Interested in joining the Federation?
Special constables can find out more about membership here.
Get in touch with us!
Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
Episode 23 - Managing money in a crisis: truths, tips and avoiding trouble
If close to half of police officers in Cheshire were worrying daily about money last winter, then how do they feel about their circumstances now?
Dan Lever, equality and wellbeing lead for Cheshire Police Federation, tells host Andrew Simpson what impact poor financial wellbeing has on performance.
And, against the backdrop of inflation in the UK reaching double digits for the first time in 40 years, Tom Howban and Adam Norris from Reflect Financial recommend practical steps officers can take straightaway to ease pressure on themselves and their families.
In this episode, we ask
What difference does the public sector pay award make to police officers in the context of rising cost of living?
Where can members go to ask for advice or help?
Is there a need to improve financial literacy in the police and the country more broadly?
Previous episodes like this one
Is this paylift 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
Episode 22 (Bonus Episode) – Jamie Thompson on whether this pay uplift is actually uplifting
The Government has announced salary increases for public sector workers.
Police in England and Wales will receive a consolidated pay award of £1,900, applied to all ranks from September 1, for the year 2022-23.
The Home Office says that is equivalent to a five per cent increase overall, and is targeted at those on the lowest pay who will see an uplift of up to 8.8 per cent.
In this bonus episode, host Andrew Simpson gauges the reaction among rank and file members with Cheshire Police Federation chairman Jamie Thompson.
In this episode, they reflect on:
The challenge of taking a position on an issue when it impacts on people so differently
Why comparisons between police and other public sector workers are unhelpful
What happens next in the fight for increased pay and improved conditions for police officers
Previous episodes like this one
If conference instructs, what have we learned?
Steve Hartshorn on fixing what’s broken
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
Episode 21 - Steph Allinson on embracing bravery
The annual Police Bravery Awards recognise the selflessness of officers who have put the safety of others before their own.
Hosted by the Police Federation of England and Wales, the 2022 edition was held in mid-July, when a total of 76 nominees from 39 forces were lauded for their acts of courage and sense of duty in the face of danger.
PC Steph Allinson was Cheshire’s representative at this year’s event.
She shares her story with host Andrew Simpson before the ceremony in London, where they were joined by Federation national chair Steve Hartshorn and Jamie Thompson, Cheshire branch chairman.
In this episode, they reflect on:
Why the Bravery Awards is a significant date in the policing calendar
What it means for officers for their contribution to be recognised in this way
The impact they hope stories like the one told like Steph has on the public’s perception of police
Previous episodes like this one
Steve Hartshorn on fixing what’s broken
Why sharing my story can stop stigma, with Mark Naylor
Is the public presented with an accurate portrayal of policing by traditional forms of media?
Get in touch with us!
Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
Episode 20 – If conference instructs, what have we learned?
The Police Federation of England and Wales lists the benefits of attending its annual conference on a dedicated page of its website.
The 2022 edition welcomed attendees in person again, and the Cheshire Police Federation podcast was among guests invited to the two-day event at Manchester Central Convention Complex.
Our objective was simple; to capture the mood, and convey those messages that matter most to members.
Host Andrew Simpson asked the questions, and recorded the answers, of delegates after they listened to discussions linked to the theme of ‘Fighting for Fairness’.
In this episode, they reflect on:
The relationship between Government and policing
What highlights they will share with Federation members on their return to work
First impressions of new national chair Steve Hartshorn and what his tenure can achieve
Previous episodes like this one
Steve Hartshorn on fixing what’s broken
What really is the value of nothing?
Is 2021 the year of 'Policing under Pressure'?
Get in touch with us!
Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
Episode 19 - Steve Hartshorn on fixing what’s broken
Morale among police officers is at an all-time low, and lifting that mood is just one of the challenges facing Steve Hartshorn, the new national chair for the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW).
In an exclusive for this podcast, he agreed to be interviewed for the first time since starting his new job.
Steve sets the tone for his tenure, outlining his initial priorities and talking about how he plans to address a disconnect he acknowledges exists between the national board and rank-and-file members like those that belong to the Cheshire Police Federation.
Among the questions answered during this edition are:
How can the communication between the Federation and its members be improved?
What is the status of the relationship between the Government and policing?
Can Steve distinguish his approach to fighting for improved pay for police officers from that of his predecessor?
Previous episodes like this one
Is the public presented with an accurate portrayal of policing by traditional forms of media?
What really is the value of nothing?
Is 2021 the year of 'Policing under Pressure'?
Get in touch with us!
Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on Twitter at @CheshirePolFed
Episode 18 – Why workplace representation matters, with Andy Burrage
The Cheshire Police Federation podcast returns with a close examination of what workplace representation looks like for officers in 2022.
Tony Condon, the branch secretary, starts by explaining what the lasting impact of the coronavirus pandemic is on representatives tasked with looking after their colleagues.
He is joined this month by Sgt Andy Burrage, the newly-appointed deputy misconduct lead, and together they outline to host Andrew Simpson how providing easier access to expert know-how will benefit members.
Andy also talks about what motivated him to volunteer as a workplace rep, and offers advice to those considering whether they should do the same.
Among the questions answered during this edition are:
Fed reps have adapted the way they work during the pandemic. Are those changes here to stay?
What are the main takeaways from last summer’s triennial elections?
How will specialist guidance from peers improve the experience of members when they seek help from the branch?
Previous episodes like this one
What is the impact on police officers of a disciplinary investigation?
Episode 17 - Is the public presented with an accurate portrayal of policing by traditional forms of media?
Jamie Thompson, Cheshire Police Federation chairman, believes the answer is ‘no’.
And this episode’s guests, Royston Martis and Natalie Hill from Martis Media, can provide proof his hunch is correct.
Together with host Andrew Simpson, they discuss why directing effort towards altering the perceptions of policing is a significant priority for forces and workplace organisations.
The part social media can play in affecting change is also uppermost in their thoughts, as is making a distinction between journalists operating at a national level and their counterparts working for smaller, local outlets.
Among the questions answered during this edition are:
What are the consequences for policing if negative media coverage persists?
How do individual officers feel when they read or see criticism of the job they do?
Are there steps the police themselves can take to help change perceptions for the better?
Previous episodes like this one
Why sharing my story can stop stigma, with Mark Naylor
Is 2021 the year of ‘policing under pressure’?
Why mixed messaging from the Government has made policing during the pandemic a challenge
Episode 16 – Why sharing my story can stop stigma, with Mark Naylor
Detective Sergeant Mark Naylor, a Cheshire Police Federation member, became only the second recipient of the Inspiration in Policing Award at the National Police Bravery Awards in London last month.
He was chosen because of his commitment over the past three years to helping officers better understand what it is like to be a survivor of sexual abuse.
He talks to host Andrew Simpson about the response of colleagues, family and friends to his work tackling taboo subjects being recognised in this way.
Mark also tells us about the moment when he realised how sharing insights from his personal experience might enhance investigators’ understanding of a victim’s point of view.
Among the questions answered during this episode are:
Why are the National Police Bravery Awards important?
What benefits to policing are there if stigma surrounding sensitive subjects is removed?
How do you prioritise your own wellbeing when reliving traumatic experiences?
Previous episodes like this one
Are we looking out for our leaders?
What is the impact on officers of constantly having to adapt to changing circumstances?
Episode 15 – Is policing ‘back to normal’?
Is policing ‘back to normal’?
If not, where are we?
Dan Lever, equality and wellbeing lead for Cheshire Police Federation, describes the conditions that police officers are working in after the Government ended all restrictions it had imposed in England during the coronavirus pandemic.
He also tells host Andrew Simpson how his priorities are changing because of the impact on individuals of the past 18 months.
The duo also revisits the topic of presenteeism in policing, including its emergence in digital form among workplace representatives that have been performing their role from home.
Among the subjects tackled during this episode are:
Are individual officers raising different concerns now than they were before the pandemic?
How has the pandemic complicated the problem of presenteeism among police officers?
What role does education have in raising awareness of, and then designing solutions for, presenteeism in all its forms?
Previous episodes like this one
Is 2021 the year of ‘policing under pressure’?
Are we looking out for our leaders?
What is the impact on officers of constantly having to adapt to changing circumstances?
Episode 14 - What really is the value of nothing?
Jamie Thompson, the Cheshire Police Federation chairman, says officers feel worthless after they were told there would be no pay award this year.
The Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB), tasked by the Government with recommending whether salaries should rise, has argued that doing so this time around was out of its remit.
So how did we get here?
Host Andrew Simpson receives an answer to that question before seeking to find out how an apparent stand-off with the Home Secretary can be ended.
Among the subjects tackled during this episode are:
What are the consequences for officers of no pay award?
Can trust be restored between the police service and the Home Secretary?
Why the Federation can’t behave in a dispute like other workplace associations or trade unions
Previous episodes like this one
Is 2021 the year of ‘Policing under pressure’?
What are the biggest challenges police officers have faced during the coronavirus pandemic?
When will we know the toll working during a pandemic has had on frontline workers like the police?
Is 2021 the year of ‘Policing under Pressure’?
Jamie Thompson, the Cheshire Police Federation chairman, answers that question as part of his reflections on the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) annual conference.
He is in candid form as host Andrew Simpson asks for insight on the most important topics up for discussion during the two-day virtual event last month.
Among the subjects tackled during this episode are:
Do officers in Cheshire feel that the Home Secretary has their back?
Pensions and pay: why are these the issues officers ask most often about?
What might the impact be locally if forces are only allowed to recruit candidates with a degree?
To conclude, the pair discusses how perceptions of policing are shaped by media coverage.
Previous episodes like this one
Why mixed messaging from the Government has made policing during the pandemic a challenge
What is it like for a police officer when a complaint is made against them?
Episode 12 - Part 2 - June 2021
Do we underestimate the part played by work in nurturing good mental health?
Police officers often acknowledge they are under a lot of pressure, and so it is unsurprising they feel stressed or anxious in a highly challenging role.
According to research by Mind, police service employees are more than twice as likely to identify problems at work as the main cause of mental ill health compared to the general workplace.
Since the start of the pandemic, those sensations have only become more acute.
During part two of an interview with a serving inspector from Cheshire Constabulary, host Andrew Simpson asks the following:
Does the unique nature of policing make officers more vulnerable to mental ill health?
When it comes to emotional wellbeing, does the approach need to be different when it comes to team leaders with responsibility for others?
What more can be done, in terms of prevention, to reduce the risk that an individual reaches crisis point?
If you haven’t yet listened to the first half of this interview, then you can do so here.
Previous episodes like this one
Why hosting a virtual conference on men’s mental health is significant for policing in Cheshire
These charities are providing essential wellbeing services to police officers past and present
Episode 12 - May 2021
The theme of emotional wellbeing isn’t a new one for us, but the purpose of this two-part interview – with a serving inspector from Cheshire Constabulary – is to introduce a contrasting perspective to ones we’ve shared previously.
The question we want to answer is: Are we looking out for our leaders?
Host Andrew Simpson also asks our guest to share her thoughts on the following:
How do the demands on a team leader impact on mental health?
Are inspectors less likely to share their struggles in the workplace?
What is it like to not show your whole self at work each day?
This edition was recorded during Mental Health Awareness Week.
For those that don’t know, this is an annual event – started more than two decades ago by the Mental Health Foundation – that encourages us to start conversations about mental health and the things in our daily lives that can affect it.
Of course, one of those is our relationship with work.
Previous episodes like this one
Why hosting a virtual conference on men’s mental health is significant for policing in Cheshire
These charities are providing essential wellbeing services to police officers past and present
Episode 11 - April 2021
This month Andy Simpson talks to Branch chair Jamie Thompson about lockdown restriction releases and media portrayals of policing.
Episode 10 - March 2021
This month Andy Simpson talks to Branch chair Jamie Thompson and Misconduct Lead Dave Howard about Police complaints, the IOPC, and the areas in which the Federation want to see improvement.
Episode 9 - February 2021
In this episode, Andy Simpson talks to Branch Secretary Tony Condon about rep elections and using technology for a new training programme. Also, we hear from DS Lisa Wilson on what it’s actually like to be a Fed Rep.
Podcast Episode 8 - January 2021
In our latest podcast episode, host Andrew Simpson is joined by Jamie Thompson (Chairman) to discuss the latest national lockdown, Covid and vaccine developments.
Episode 7 - November 2020
Our latest Podcast episode with host Andrew Simpson who is joined by board members Jamie Thompson (Chairman) and Dan Lever (Equality & Wellbeing Lead.
Benevolent Fund & The Police Treatment Centre
This month Andrew Simpson talks to Jerry Graham, CEO of the North West Police Benevolent Fund, and Mark Oxley, Head of Clinical services at The Police Treatment Centre, about the services both charities offer, and the challenges faced during the pandemic.
For further information on the two charities please visit
Answering your Questions
In our latest episode, host Andrew Simpson puts your questions to Jamie Thompson, Federation Chairman.
Including member subscriptions, COVID, and pensions.
A discussion with the PCC David Keane
In this episode, our host Andrew Simpson is joined by David Keane and Jamie Thompson to discuss a number of subjects including wellbeing, pay rise, and police assault sentencing.
Men's Mental Health within Policing
In this episode, our host Andrew Simpson speaks with Toni White, a Mental Health Consultant specialising in men's & workplace mental health, alongside Jamie Thompson and Dan Lever.
They discuss the effects of men's mental health within the police service.
Travel Insurance Review
In this episode, our host Andrew Simpson holds an in-depth conversation with Ian Leyland (Account Manager - Philip Williams & Co).
They discuss the current situation surrounding COVID-19 and planning for future trips.
Welcome... it's Episode 1
An introduction to our new Podcast with host Andrew Simpson who is joined by board members Jamie Thompson (Chairman), Dan Lever (Equality & Wellbeing Lead), and special guest Jo Moscrop from No1 Copperpot Credit Union.