PFEW Welsh Affairs Lead, Wales (2026)

06/09/2024

🎙 SIGN UP FOR WEBINAR ON SU***DE PREVENTION DAY

A free webinar marking World Su***de Prevention Day could help officers open up conversations about mental health, according to the Federation’s Welsh affairs co-lead.

Zac Mader is urging as many members as possible to sign up for the webinar which is being hosted by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) on Tuesday (10 September).

It will include inputs from a branch secretary who has struggled with his mental health and a workplace representative who has experienced antenatal depression.

“I would encourage colleagues to join this webinar if they can,” says Zac, “There used to be a real stigma around talking about mental health but this has started to diminish, though there is still a way to go.

“The Federation is trying to get officers to check in with each other, and not just ask once if someone is OK but ask twice.

“It is all too easy for someone to initially respond ‘yes, I am fine’, but sometimes if you ask again, you might encourage them to open up."

REGISTER AND FIND OUT MORE: https://bit.ly/3TgQgTm

10/07/2024

🤞 GOOD LUCK MESSAGE SENT TO BRAVERY AWARDS NOMINEES

The Police Federation’s co-Welsh leads have sent a good luck message to the members in Wales who have been nominated for a national bravery award.

Leigh Godfrey and Zac Mader said they were ‘incredibly proud’ of the officers representing each of the four Forces in Wales.

They said: “Police officers face challenging situations and perform remarkable acts of bravery in extreme situations, running towards danger to protect the public.

“We’re incredibly proud to have 11 officers from Wales who have been recognised for their heroic actions with a nomination at this year’s bravery awards.

“Their stories are humbling and inspiring, and they are all deserving of their nominations.

“We wish them every success at the awards.”

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

10/07/2024

WELSH LEADS SEEK MEETING WITH MPs

The election of 13 new MPs in Wales provides an opportunity for stronger links to be built between policing and the Westminster Government, according to the Federation’s Welsh co-lead Zac Mader.

Zac said relations between the Government, the Police Federation and its members had become strained in recent years after budget cuts led to officers seeing a 20 per cent real-terms reduction in their pay.

“Police officers are not happy at the way they feel they have been treated by the Government in Westminster and this was highlighted in the latest Federation pay and morale survey,” says Zac.

“The Federation has also been calling for a fairer mechanism for determining officers’ annual pay award since it believes the current Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) lacks independence but had no success in convincing the previous Government to change this process.

“Hopefully, now we have some new MPs to represent us in the Houses of Parliament, we can secure some support and bring about a change so that at the very least we have an independent pay review mechanism with access to binding arbitration.

“We will be seeking meetings with all MPs representing the Welsh constituencies so that we can share our members’ views, spell out the issues officers are facing and hopefully convince the Government to address their concerns, not just about pay and the pay mechanism but also about the other pressures on the police service.

FULL STORY: https://bit.ly/45X2tBM

10/07/2024

🗳 FEDERATION TO CAMPAIGN FOR INDUSTRIAL RIGHTS

Police officers deserve a fair and independent pay review process that ensures they are properly paid for the pressures and dangers of their role, according to the Police Federation’s co-leads for Wales.

Leigh Godfrey and Zac Mader were commenting on the results of a poll carried out by the Police Federation of England and Wales asking members nationwide if they wanted the staff association to pursue collective bargaining and binding arbitration as part of a reformed pay review process.

The poll results showed that 97.7 per cent of those who took part in the poll voted in favour of the Federation campaigning for these industrial rights as part of the Government’s police pay review mechanism.

“This poll leaves us in no doubt whatsoever as to our members’ stance on this issue,” said Leigh. “I just hope that the Government also takes these results seriously and listens to what police officers are saying. They are frustrated, and they are demoralised, as evidenced by the latest Police Federation pay and morale survey, and part of the reason they feel like that is because of the way in which they have been treated by the Government.

“Police officers accept when they sign up to the service that they are going to have restrictions placed on them; restrictions that are not put on other workers. These restrictions include not being able to join a union or enjoy industrial rights.

“However, there has in the past been an unwritten contract between policing and the government of the day which means politicians, understanding officers’ weaker position through not having the industrial rights afforded to others, would treat officers fairly in terms of pay review processes."

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3RZWIh0

02/07/2024

📊 HAVE YOUR SAY ON POLICE UNIFORMS

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has launched a survey to find out members’ views on police uniform.

PFEW is working with researchers at Lancaster University on the National Police Uniform and Equipment Survey, which is launched today (Monday 1 July)

Zac Mader, the Federation’s Welsh co-lead, is urging as many members as possible to complete the survey, which will provide decision makers with the evidence needed to make meaningful changes to police uniform.

Zac, who is leading on the project with fellow National Board member and PFEW wellbeing lead, said: “This is the first opportunity our members have had to tell us and the police service how they feel about their uniform.

“Every day, in every station there’s likely to be a conversation about uniform, whether it’s good, bad or indifferent.

“Our survey focuses on issues around around uniform and interoperability with equipment and PPE.

“Is the uniform fit for purpose. How does it make people feel wearing it? Does it make you feel proud to be a police officer.

“This is a great opportunity for our members to have their say on what they think about their uniform and what they want from it, and we’d encourage as many as possible to complete it."

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3L8w3L6

14/06/2024

😡 ATTACKS ON OFFICER STATS ARE 'ABSOLUTELY APPALLING'

The Federation’s Welsh co-lead Zac Mader has described as ‘absolutely appalling’ figures that show there were more than 2,000 assaults on police officers in Wales.

Zac said it equates to an officer being attacked almost every four hours, as he called for more ‘protection for the protectors’.

The figures from the Office of National Statistics showed there was a total of 2,054 assaults on officers in the year to 31 March 2023, with 597 of them resulting in injury.

The breakdown across the four Forces in Wales saw 393 assaults on Dyfed Powys Police officers with 123 resulting in injury; 474 assaults on Gwent Police officers with 113 resulting in injury; 467 assaults on North Wales Police with 135 resulting in injury; and 720 assaults on South Wales Police officers with 226 resulting in injury.

Across the whole of England and Wales, there was a total of 40,330 attacks on officers in the year to 31 March, with 11,022 resulting in an injury to an officer.

Zac said: “These figures are absolutely appalling and underline the levels of violence and the threat of violence that our members face."

HEAR MORE FROM ZAC: https://bit.ly/3VHyjz6

23/05/2024

🗣 LEAD WELCOMES CAMPAIGN

Men’s health lead Zac Mader has welcomed the launch of the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) new mental health and wellbeing campaign.

PFEW’s campaign aims to develop a supportive and inclusive environment where people feel valued, heard, and empowered to seek help when needed.

Zac, who is also the co-Welsh lead, said: “The campaign is a commitment by the Federation to change perceptions and attitudes towards mental health.

“It aims to encourage officers to pause, reflect, and prioritise their own wellbeing and that of their colleagues.

“We want to create a positive workplace culture where officers feel supported and actively encouraged to look after the mental health and wellbeing.”

READ MORE: https://bit.ly/3yw45WK

15/05/2024

🗣 NEWLY-ELECTED PCCS URGED TO ENGAGE

The two new Welsh Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) are being urged to engage with the Police Federation at their earliest opportunity so they can find out more about the issues affecting police officers and help address their concerns.

The call comes from Zac Mader and Leigh Godfrey, co-leads of the Police Federation’s Welsh affairs business area.

“All four force areas in Wales went to the polls at the start of this month to elect a Police and Crime Commissioner to serve for the next four years,” says Zac.

“Two of the previous PCCs were re-elected with Dafydd Llywelyn remaining in Dyfed Powys and Andrew Dunbobbin in North Wales, but in Gwent and South Wales we now have new people in post. Jane Mudd became the first woman to be elected as a PCC in Wales when she won the Gwent election and was closely followed by Emma Wools who secured the position in South Wales.

“We congratulate all four PCCs on their election success and particularly hope that both Jane and Emma quickly sit down with their respective Federation branches so they can talk about their own plans but also find out about the issues affecting police officers and then prioritise addressing these concerns."

FULL STORY: https://bit.ly/4dEt2iI

14/05/2024

🎙 WEBINAR TO HELP LAUNCH CAMPAIGN

Federation members are being invited to sign up for a webinar this week which will highlight the importance of people looking after their own mental health and checking in on one another.

The webinar is being held on Wednesday (15 May) as part of Mental Health Awareness Week which runs from 13-19 May and will coincide with the launch of the Police Federation’s campaign.

It will explain why asking if someone is OK twice is crucial, and outline the strategy behind the campaign.

“I would encourage as many officers as possible to sign up for this webinar,” says Zac Mader, co-lead of the Police Federation’s Welsh affairs business area.

“It runs for just 45 minutes but will offer a lot of practical advice to help people improve their mental wellbeing.

“It will also give more details about the campaign which aims to encourage all of us to make sure we are properly checking in on our family, friends and colleagues.”

As this year's Mental Health Awareness Week theme revolves around movement for mental wellbeing, Mel Lynch will be guest speaker. Mel will share her insights on building habits and routines, along with some simple “deskercise” movements that can greatly benefit people’s mental health.

FIND OUT MORE AND REGISTER: https://bit.ly/3UYnRCQ

29/04/2024

👀 CALL FOR MALE OFFICERS TO 'REGULARLY CHECK THEMSELVES' 👀

The Federation’s men’s health lead Zac Mader says every month should be Testicular Cancer Month as he encouraged male officers to regularly check themselves.

Zac was speaking after a successful Know Your Balls seminar held by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) to raise awareness of testicular cancer and how to check for it.

Attended by hundreds of Federation reps and members, it was organised for Testicular Cancer Month, which is held every year in April.

Zac said: “It’s really important as a Federation and a men’s health group to remind people that it’s Testicular Cancer Month every month of year – not just in April.

“Men’s health matters. There’s a lot of work to be done in the police service around men’s health and this seminar is part of that.”

The seminar heard from former Wales international footballer John Hartson, who spoke about his diagnosis with testicular cancer.

The former Arsenal, West Ham, and Celtic forward talked about how he initially ignored the warning signs when he felt a lump in 2004 and how, by the time he was diagnosed in 2008, the disease had spread to his lungs and brain.

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

17/04/2024

⚽️ 'KNOW YOUR BALLS': FORMER WALES INTERNATIONAL FOOTBALLER SPEAKING AT EVENT

Former Wales international footballer John Hartson will be a special guest speaker at a Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) webinar for Testicular Cancer Awareness Month.
The Know Your Balls seminar is being organised by the Federation’s Men’s Health Forum.
It takes place on Wednesday 24 April from 10.30am to midday.
It will explain the importance of men regularly checking themselves with medical experts giving practical guidance on how to perform self-examinations.
Other speakers taking part will include the Federation’s men’s health lead and co-Welsh lead Zac Mader, the police service chief medical officer Professor John Harrison and police officer Alison Rowse.
Hartson, the former Arsenal, Celtic and West Ham player, was treated for testicular cancer which had spread to his lungs and brain after being diagnosed in 2009.

Find out more about the event and register today: https://bit.ly/49Lc277

25/03/2024

🤝 ENCOURAGING REPS TO LOOK AFTER THEMSELVES

The Police Federation’s Welsh co-leads are encouraging reps to look out for their own mental health.

Leigh Godfrey and Zac Mader said the welfare and wellbeing of reps was an area of importance for them.

Now they are looking at how the Federation can provide more support to reps who may be struggling with their case loads.

Zac said: “Caring for the carers is something we’re really interested in.

“A busy Fed rep might be dealing with the highs and lows of someone who is facing challenges, trying to help them through a difficult period, and they have no control over the timelines.

“Something that may not seem important in the grand scheme of things is massive to that individual.

“It may not be job threatening but it takes over that person’s life, it takes over their family’s life, and you’re having to manage expectations

“Sometimes people call you at 10pm on a Saturday because they need to speak to someone and there’s no-one else.

“If you have a few of those it can be challenging, and that has to go somewhere.

“So we’re acutely aware of the wellbeing of our reps and of who looks after the carer.”

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

PFEW Welsh Affairs Lead

06/09/2024

10/07/2024

10/07/2024

10/07/2024

02/07/2024

14/06/2024

23/05/2024

15/05/2024

14/05/2024

29/04/2024

17/04/2024

25/03/2024

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