PFEW announces new National Secretary

A police officer with 27 years’ service has been named as the new National Secretary of The Police Federation of England and Wales.

Alex Duncan, a National Board member from Avon and Somerset Police, took up the reigns from outgoing National Secretary Andy Fittes on October 1st.

Alex, who has been a Federation Rep for 19 years, joined the National Board in 2014.

He was awarded the role following a new interview process and was one of two candidates being considered for the position.

The National Secretary has overall responsibility for the day-to-day management of PFEW, staff, departments and representatives.

Alex will also be contributing to setting and supporting the implementation of the PFEW’s strategic direction and will lead on pay negotiations with the Government.

Andy Fittes is retiring from the Federation after 31 years’ service as an officer, Federation Rep and National Secretary.

He said he felt he was leaving the PFEW, which he called a ‘great organisation’ in a better place.

“I have been a Federation representative for 19 years and I have witnessed first-hand how hard it has been for us to get where we are today,” he said.

“Critics thought we could not pull off the scope of the much-needed change advised in the 2014 Independent Review but we have.

“I think we have shown true grit and resolve to move the organisation to a better place and I feel as though I am leaving the organisation stronger than I found it.”

He’s also called on the PFEW to continue building relationships with ministers and the Home Office.

“Our influence in Government and beyond is the envy of many unions and representative bodies – few have regular bilateral meetings with ministers anymore or enjoy the same level of attendance from senior figures at their events,” he said.

“Our relationship with the Home Office is important and it’s this relationship that means we get invited to the table for consultations – it is also testament to the quality of our research and evidence-gathering abilities – they may not always agree with us, as the Government has its own agenda, but we are listened to.

“I am leaving behind an organisation with the structures in place to be a flexible and agile representative body for its members. Cultural change is the next step – we are already on the road to a more united and cooperative PFEW, but we must continue to build trust with our members.”