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The Home Office announced in mid-July that police officers in England and Wales will be awarded a 3.5% pay rise. Despite the body responsible for advising the Government on what cops should receive recommending a 3.9% increase, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood chose a lower figure. Cheshire Police Federation chairman Jamie Thompson tells host Andrew Simpson how the latest pay award, which takes effect on September 1, has made his members feel. The duo also discusses what the Police Remuneration Review Body said in its report about working conditions, and speculate whether a debate about industrial rights for police officers will reignite. There is positive news to share too after Cheshire Constabulary was classified among the top performing forces in the country by the policing inspectorate. Previous episodes like this one Need police officers to support change? Then make it meaningful What police officers want you to know about their pay Jamie Thompson on a job well done by Cheshire Police Get in touch with us! Fill in the enquiry form on our website or follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn.

As the saying goes, ‘The more things change, the more they stay the same’. Police officers in England and Wales can be forgiven for feeling that way as we reach the halfway point in 2026. With a new Prime Minister due to be confirmed shortly, the Cheshire Police Federation returns to discuss what that might mean for policing – including the challenges presented by changing faces at Government level. For this episode, host Andrew Simpson is joined by branch chairman Jamie Thompson and Anna Galloway, full-time Wellbeing and Equality Lead and newly-appointed vice-chair. The trio talk about police courage, how the local branch supported one of the biggest operations in the Cheshire Constabulary’s history back in April, and their expectations for the next police pay award. In evidence presented for consideration by the Police Remuneration Review Body, the Police Federation of England and Wales has asked for a minimum seven per cent consolidated rise for each of the next three years. Previous episodes like this one Bravery Awards: Why it’s right to acknowledge courage in policing Want to shake up policing? Then ask frontline officers how What police officers want you to know about their pay Get in touch with us! Fill in the enquiry form on our website or follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn.

This special edition is dedicated to the second 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 invited those in attendance to share to share their reflections on the importance of an event of this type. A total of 17 Cheshire police officers received an award in recognition of their selflessness and ability to think quickly under pressure, and we hear from a selection of them in this episode. They comment on the value of looking out for each other, why compassion counts in their job, and what receiving an award means to them.  If the definition of courage is feeling scared but opting to act anyway, then police officers possess it in abundance. To read their stories in full, visit the Cheshire Police Federation’s Facebook page. Previous episodes like this one Why being brave really isn’t just ‘part of the job’ 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 Facebook or LinkedIn.

The Government has shared proposals for what it describes as the biggest overhaul to policing in England and Wales since forces were professionalised two centuries ago. They feature in a White Paper published at the end of January 2026. But what do police officers make of the ideas for change? Jamie Thompson, Cheshire Police Federation chair, reveals to host Andrew Simpson which parts have prompted the most debate so far. With the Home Secretary seemingly set on reducing the number of forces by merging existing organisations into larger regional operations, the duo also discusses the potential consequences for policing in rural locations like Cheshire. They also preview next month’s second Cheshire Police Federation Bravery Awards. Previous episodes like this one Want to shake up policing? Then ask frontline officers how The best morale exists when you never hear it mentioned New year, fresh hope: What can policing expect in 2025 Get in touch with us! Fill in the enquiry form on our website or follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn.

The pressure to restructure policing is clear, although finding consensus on the best way to do so is anything but. A white paper on police reform which the government said was due before Christmas won’t now be ready until January at the earliest. What will be in it seems to be changing all the time. Jamie Thompson, Cheshire Police Federation chairman, tells host Andrew Simpson how the topic was talked about at last month’s Police Federation of England and Wales’ annual conference. The duo also discusses a first keynote speech by newly-elected National Chair Tiff Lynch, a clear vote of support for increasing subscriptions, and why Mukund Krishna, PFEW CEO, was right to remind everybody why recognising success is important. Previous episodes like this one The importance of feeling confident in the face of danger The best morale exists when you never hear it mentioned New year, fresh hope: What can policing expect in 2025? Get in touch with us! Fill in the enquiry form on our website or follow us on Facebook or LinkedIn.

New rules will change how police officers are held to account when making split-second decisions intended to protect the public. The legal test for the use of force in misconduct cases will move from a balance of probabilities to the criminal standard of beyond reasonable doubt, the Government has announced. How will that influence cops’ behaviour in the line of duty? Jamie Thompson, Cheshire Police Federation chairman, and Dave Howard – the branch’s CAPLO (Complaints and Performance Liaison Officer) – share their verdict with host Andrew Simpson. They discuss the part played by public opinion and footage captured by Body Worn Video (BWV), and what it’s really like to act quickly in the most challenging of circumstances. Plus, the trio look ahead to the Police Federation of England and Wales’ annual conference. Previous episodes like this one The best morale exists when you never hear it mentioned New year, fresh hope: What can policing expect in 2025? 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 Facebook or LinkedIn.

‘It’s not how much money you make, but how much of it that you keep.’ That’s how police officers in England and Wales will reflect following an announcement by the Government that they’ll receive a 4.2% pay rise from September.The Police Federation of England and Wales said the latest pay award ‘barely treads water’. But how do those bobbies working locally feel about a salary increase?  Jamie Thompson, Cheshire Police Federation chairman, tells host Andrew Simpson the answer.They discuss too the valuable contribution by Cheshire Constabulary’s PC Viki Evans and PC Kate Sheehan to the conversation about men’s mental health after the duo was presented with an Inspiration in Policing Award at the recent National Police Bravery Awards. Previous episodes like this one Why being brave really isn’t just ‘part of the job’Remembering Powelly, and the power of peer support in policing 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 Facebook or LinkedIn.

That isn’t the case for police officers, who have shared how they feel as part of the latest Pay and Morale Survey by the Police Federation of England and Wales. Host Andrew Simpson is joined by Tiff Lynch, acting national chair, and Cheshire Police Federation chairman Jamie Thompson to talk about what results from the 2024 edition have taught us. How can the findings be used to affect meaningful change for police serving in Cheshire? Tiff also introduces ‘Copped Enough’, a new campaign acting as a renewed call for action on issues that officers everywhere are passionate about. Plus, news on who will be representing Cheshire Constabulary at the national Police Bravery Awards this summer.

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 one Remembering Powelly, and the power of peer support in policing 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 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected] or follow us on X at @CheshirePolFed