Cheshire Police Federation

This special edition is dedicated to the inaugural Cheshire Police Federation Bravery Awards in March.Host Andrew Simpson was among the guests at Nunsmere Hall, near Northwich, and he took with him a microphone and listened to what those in attendance made of what will hopefully become an annual occasion.The selflessness and dedication of 18 Cheshire police officers was acknowledged with awards, and we hear from a broad selection of them in this episode.They tell us how it feels to be recognised in this way, and why it’s important to celebrate the contribution of colleagues who have gone above and beyond their duty.To read their stories in full, visit the Cheshire Police Federation’s Facebook or LinkedIn pages.Previous episodes like this oneRemembering Powelly, and the power of peer support in policingSteph Allinson on embracing braveryWhy sharing my story can stop stigma, with Mark NaylorGet in touch with us!Fill in the enquiry form on our website or follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn.

Cheshire Constabulary’s commitment to keeping people safe was a highlight for inspectors when they visited. His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has published its report after judging the force’s performance across nine areas of policing. It was found to have improved or maintained its grading for each of those since the previous inspection.  Jamie Thompson, Cheshire Police Federation chairman, shares his insight during this episode on how that makes police officers feel, and why a positive report is important in shaping public perception. He also tells host Andrew Simpson how the inspector’s findings inform the branch’s work, both now and in the future. To read the HMICFRS inspector’s report in full, click here. To watch a short video produced by Cheshire Constabulary, summarising its response to the findings, click here. Previous episodes like this one New year, fresh hope: What can policing expect in 2025? Keep the faith; on regaining the public's trust in policing Is the public presented with an accurate portrayal of policing by traditional forms of media? Get in touch with us! Fill in the enquiry form on our website or follow us on X at @CheshirePolFed

As the saying goes, ‘No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again.’ The first episode of a new year strikes an optimistic note as Cheshire Police Federation chairman, Jamie Thompson, and vice-chairman Dave Howard identify what lies ahead for policing in 2025. They tell host Andrew Simpson why the branch’s inaugural bravery awards in March is an event worth supporting, and what they hope it will mean to members. The duo also surveys the national scene, sharing their predictions for what the priorities for policing will be over the next 12 months. They also reveal what appears at the top of their own personal ‘to do’ lists. Previous episodes like this one Being valued matters: why police say their mood is low Steph Allinson on embracing bravery Why sharing my story can stop stigma, with Mark Naylor Get in touch with us! Fill in the enquiry form on our website or follow us on X at @CheshirePolFed

Do emotions prompted by experiencing trauma impact police officer behaviour? It’s a question that Lucy Davies, a doctoral researcher for the Open University, intends to answer as part of a new study into the relationship between stress, feelings, and misconduct. In this episode, she tells host Andrew Simpson and Jamie Thompson, Cheshire Police Federation chairman, why she is interested in this subject and how branch members can assist with her research. The trio also discuss how the survey’s findings might benefit policing in the future. If you’re a serving officer and want to know more about the study, or explore the opportunities to participate, then you’ll find further details here. Previous episodes like this one Being valued matters: why police say their mood is low Remembering Powelly, and the power of peer support in policing Why fix what isn't broken? With Dave Howard Get in touch with us! Fill in the enquiry form on our website or follow us on X at @CheshirePolFed

In May of this year, Labour’s Dan Price was elected as the third Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire since the post’s creation in 2012. In this episode, he tells host Andrew Simpson how he intends to approach the role and what it’s like to start a new job while in the public eye. Cheshire Police Federation chairman, Jamie Thompson, talks too about the branch’s relationship with PCCs past and present, and describes ways they can help each other. Both guests also answer the question; how do police officers benefit when the two identify a common purpose? To learn more about the Police and Crime Commissioner’s work, visit his website. Previous episodes like this one Being valued matters: why police say their mood is low It’s good to talk, especially if people want to listen Keep the faith; on regaining the public’s trust in policing Get in touch with us! Fill in the enquiry form on our website or follow us on X at @CheshirePolFed

Every year, police officers are asked how they feel. And since the coronavirus pandemic, their answer has been the same: morale is lower than before. The Police Federation of England and Wales’ annual Pay and Morale Survey seeks members’ views on pay and conditions, as well as their attitudes to work and the police service in general. Host Andrew Simpson is joined by Jamie Thompson, the Cheshire Police Federation branch chairman, to discuss what the 2023 edition’s results reveal. Do officers from Cheshire Constabulary have empathy with their colleagues nationally? And what are the risks if police self-esteem isn’t repaired? Previous episodes like this one It’s good to talk, especially if people want to listen If morale is the state of mind, then policing has a problem Keep the faith; on regaining the public’s trust in policing Get in touch with us! Simply send an email to podcast@cheshirepolfed.org.uk or follow us on X at @CheshirePolFed

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

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

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

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