Gwent Police Federation

20/05/2026

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29/04/2026

📊 MANDATORY RECORDING OF POLICE SUICIDES AGREED BY CHIEFS - BRANCH WELCOMES BREAKTHROUGH

Gwent Police Federation has welcomed an agreement by chief constables to implement mandatory recording of police su***des and attempted su***des in a landmark move for officer wellbeing.

The development comes after the inquest of the death of Sussex Police’s Sergeant Ben Websdale, who died by su***de last year – a case which has seen voices grow louder for greater accountability, transparency and foresight around what is often called policing’s ‘silent crisis’.

Branch vice chair Jamie Jones has given his backing to the agreement, describing it as a significant step towards a full picture of the mental health landscape within the profession.

“Getting forces to record all incidents of su***de and attempted su***de is a big change, but one that is both very positive and long overdue,” he said.

“Until we have comprehensive figures, we are only guessing at the scale of the problem, and as such, we won’t have all the tools needed to tackle it.

“Police officers face risks and demands unlike anything else, with constant exposure to violence and trauma, long and antisocial working hours, and ongoing issues with pay and conditions – the least they deserve is a system which doesn’t fail them with the improper recording of crucial data.

“This news represents a breakthrough in fixing that system, and I hope it can be formally introduced as soon as possible.”

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3QDgbGx

24/04/2026

📊 SURVEY REVEALS 'UNSAFE WORKING CONDITIONS'

New research from the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has indicated nine out of 10 response officers feel they are working in teams which are unsafe and understaffed.

Results from nearly 2000 frontline personnel surveyed by the PFEW were released during Response Policing Week (20-26 April) and do not come as a surprise to branch vice chair Jamie Jones.

Jamie has responded to the survey findings, which include the views of officers from all 43 police forces in England and Wales.

He said: “Sadly, this is the reality we are facing at a national level in policing, and it is certainly mirrored locally among our branch members.

“For such an overwhelming majority of response officers to say they do not feel equipped enough to do their job is deeply alarming, as it suggests both themselves and the public are in real danger.

“A police officer feeling unsafe at work because of external factors is one thing, but to feel unsafe due to matters internal to the profession is something altogether different.

“Given all that they do to fight crime and protect the public, for so many of them to feel this way is unacceptable.”

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/4tHyY1S

01/04/2026

🚨 Last chance to maximise your 2025/26 ISA allowance

The tax year ends on 5 April! So this is your last chance to make the most of your 2025/26 ISA allowance and shelter more of your hard-earned money from the taxman.

• ISA: £20,000 p.a.
• Lifetime ISA: £4,000 p.a.
• Junior ISA: £9,000 p.a.

Remember, these allowances don't roll over, so what you don't use by 5 April, you'll lose.

As an added bonus, you can get more for your money with Police Friendly’s current offers, which also run until 5 April. Just quote 'Offer26' when you apply.

Find out more about our offers, ISA options and how to apply on our website - https://bit.ly/4s5Plny

24/03/2026

17/03/2026

CHAIR REACTS TO PFEW PAY RECOMMENDATIONS

Gwent Police Federation chair Matthew Candy has echoed calls for the Government to demonstrate its support for policing by accepting proposals to restore officer pay.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has submitted its latest report to the Police Review Body (PRRB).

In the report, the PFEW has recommended a minimum seven per cent annual pay award for the next three years.

If accepted, this would help to correct the gradual degradation of officer earnings over the last 15 years, which has seen them suffer a real-terms pay cut of more than 20 per cent.

According to PFEW, the proposed pay award could also go a long way to halting the ‘downward spiral’ of officer morale, retention and operational capability, which it argued was having ‘direct consequences’ on public safety.

The submission to the PRRB comes after:

The Government’s remit letter to the PRRB made clear that recommendations must reflect affordability within existing funding settlements; and

The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) indicated it would support a 3.5 per cent award only if fully funded, falling to 2.5 per cent if it is not.

Commenting after the report was finalised, Matthew said: “I see this recommendation as a vital and much-needed move towards addressing the long-term erosion of police pay, but it must now be backed by a genuine willingness from the Government to make things better for officers.

“As representatives of our members, we are clear about what they deserve: fair reward for doing a job which requires sacrifice and dedication like no other. This is something which has been missing for a long time, and it has unfortunately seen some talented officers feel like they have no choice but to turn their backs on the profession."

FULL STORY: https://bit.ly/3Pdo5G4

06/03/2026

🤝 CHAIR ATTENDS 'PRODUCTIVE' MEETING WITH MPs'

Gwent Police Federation chair Matthew Candy met with MPs from across Wales in Westminster to discuss some of the issues facing policing.

Matthew described the event at Portcullis House near the Houses of Parliament as ‘really productive’.

He joined regional and national Federation colleagues for an event to brief Welsh MPs about police-related legislation going through Parliament.

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) is working with peers on several amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill on issues which impact on the health, wellbeing, and safety of police officers.

Matthew was joined by colleagues from the three other Welsh Federation branches, Dyfed Powys chair Delme Rees, North Wales conduct and performance lead Liz Owen, and South Wales chair Phil Walker (all pictured). They were also joined PFEW Welsh co-lead Leigh Godfrey and deputy national chair Brian Booth.

The briefing was attended by eight Welsh MPs Jess Morden, Chris Evans, Gerald Jones, Ann Davies, Ruth Jones, Liz Saville-Roberts, Chris Elmore, Tonia Antoniazzi, and staff of Alex Davies-Jones.

Matthew said: “The MPs who attended were brilliant. They were willing to listen to us and to discuss the points we were making. It was really productive.

“It’s an incredibly busy period in the world and domestically, so we’re grateful for them for taking the time to speak to us.”

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3OJZcS6

05/03/2026

⭐ INTERNATIONAL WOMEN'S DAY WEBINAR: BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

To celebrate International Women’s Day, the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) is hosting a live online webinar tomorrow (Friday 6 March).

The online session, titled ‘Give to Gain - How Supporting Others Accelerates Your Own Success’, will include a discussion led by guest speaker Inspector Sophie King, who was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to Women in Policing Award 2025.

Sophie will reflect on her experiences with coaching and mentoring, sharing how helping others succeed can also strengthen your own leadership abilities and career development.

This event is open to anyone who wants to enhance their leadership capability, boost confidence, improve collaboration within teams, or feel more empowered in their role.

Attendees will come away with useful insights and practical ideas to support both their own growth and that of the people around them.

The webinar will run for one hour, from 11am to 12pm.

REGISTER TO ATTEND: https://bit.ly/4rfPl3Q

03/03/2026

🤝 CHAIR AT PARLIAMENT DROP-IN SESSION

Branch chair Matthew Candy was at Portcullis House in Westminster, close to Parliament today, attending a drop-in session with local MPs.

His visit came at the same time that amendments to the Crime and Policing Bill were being discussed in Parliament.