The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) is the statutory staff association that represents police officers in England and Wales who hold the ranks of constable, sergeant, inspector, chief inspector, and special constable.
Police Federation of England & Wales website
What it is
- The PFEW exists because police officers are not legally allowed to join a trade union or take strike action under UK
- It was established by Parliament under the Police Act 1919, following police strikes in 1918–1919, as an alternative way for officers to be represented without the right to strike.
- Although it is not a trade union, it functions in a similar way in practice by representing members on employment-related matters.
Who it represents (and who it doesn’t)
- Represents officers from constable up to chief inspector automatically by rank.
- Superintendents and chief superintendents are represented instead by the Police Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales.
- Chief officers are represented by separate bodies, and operational leadership nationally sits with the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC), not the Federation.
What the Police Federation does
According to publicly available descriptions of its role, the PFEW:
- Represents officers’ views and interests to government, the Home Office, and other official
- Negotiates and makes representations on pay, conditions, pensions, and allowances, including through formal review mechanisms
- Provides legal advice and legal representation to members, particularly in disciplinary proceedings, criminal investigations, and civil claims arising from duty
- Offers welfare and wellbeing support to serving officers, retired officers, and in some cases their families
How it is organised
- Every territorial police force in England and Wales has a local Police Federation branch
- These local branches are linked to a national organisation, governed by elected police officers and operating under statutory regulations
- The Federation is funded mainly through member subscriptions, although membership itself is automatic by rank
What it is not
- It is not a trade union
- It cannot call strikes or industrial action
- It is not a police force, regulator, or disciplinary body
- It is independent of day‑to‑day police command structures
How the Police Federation differs from a trade union
1. Legal status
Police Federation
- It is a statutory body created by Parliament, not a voluntary association.wikipedia+1
- Established by the Police Act 1919 specifically because police officers were banned from joining trade unions.
- Its structure, powers, and governance are set out in legislation and statutory regulations.
Trade union
- A trade union is a voluntary organisation formed under general labour law.
- Workers choose whether to join or leave.
- Unions exist independently of government and are not created by statute in the same way.
2. Right to strike and industrial action
Police Federation
- Cannot call strikes or industrial action under any circumstances.polfed+1
- Police officers are legally prohibited from striking due to public safety concerns.
- The Federation must use representation, negotiation, and arbitration instead of industrial pressure.
Trade union
- Can usually:
- Call lawful strike action
- Organise work‑to‑rule, walkouts, or other industrial action
- Strikes are a central leverage tool for unions.
This is the single biggest difference.
3. Membership
Police Federation
- Membership is automatic by rank for serving officers from constable to and including chief inspector. Superintendents and above have their own association.
- Officers may opt not to pay subscriptions, but are still legally members.
- Only represents police officers, not civilian staff.
Wheras a Trade union
- Membership is entirely voluntary.
- Workers must actively join.
- Can represent workers across many professions and sectors, including police staff (e.g. UNISON or PCS).service
4. Political affiliation
Police Federation
- Not affiliated to any political party and is legally separate from party politics.
- Cannot donate to or formally campaign for parties.
Trade union
- May be:
- Affiliated with a political party
- Active in political campaigning
- Financial contributors to political movements
5. What they can negotiate
Police Federation
- Represents officers on:
- Pay, allowances, and pensions
- Working conditions
- Welfare and wellbeing
- Makes representations through formal bodies such as government review mechanisms rather than free collective bargaining.
Trade union
- Can engage in:
- Collective bargaining with employers
- Formal pay agreements
- Industrial negotiations backed by strike threats
6. Legal and disciplinary representation
Police Federation
- A major function is legal protection:
- Criminal investigations
- Misconduct proceedings
- Civil claims arising from duty
- This is particularly important because officers exercise legal powers and face personal liability.
Trade union
- May provide legal support, but:
- Normally focuses more on employment disputes
- Does not routinely deal with criminal liability arising from use of statutory powers
7. Purpose and origin
Police Federation
- Created to replace unionisation, not to be one.
- Intended to balance:
- Public safety
- Police accountability
- Officers’ welfare and rights
Trade union
- Created to:
- Organise workers collectively
- Apply economic pressure where necessary
- Challenge employers using industrial power
Unfortunately the federation are not always great at looking after the frontline officers in the job. The biggest issue is they have very little leverage. Police can't strike. In the old days they would try to 'work to rule' and rigidly follow all rules and regs which gummed up everything, but it doesn't work. Without the right to strike to government said they would always abide by the independent pay review body etc, however they haven't done this, delaying pay rises and being as awkward as they can.
Something needs to change. So much pressure of the officers due to left wing liberal views, loads of discipline investigations for stupid minor things as forces bow down to woke media pressure and then destroy the job from the inside, which is exactly what the media and establishment want. Bosses can't see it, they are being manipulated and none has the bollocks to stand up and say the right thing for fear of being called out by the vocal minority. Officers are unnecessarily stressed and sick, as well as taking their own lives. All you get from the job is window dressing. They can certainly talk the talk but action speaks louder than words. The job is fucked!
Maybe it is time to have a new association to look after the rank & file? If the government think making the police forces bigger makes them better they are deluded. It is not a vocation or a career anymore, just a job, a job that will burn you up and spit you out if you are not very careful.