Sir David Normington to lead review of Police Federation

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FORMER Home Office Permanent Secretary Sir David Normington will chair the independent panel reviewing the Police Federation of England and Wales.

Sir David, (pictured) who recently became the First Civil Service Commissioner and Commissioner for Public Appointments, will lead a panel that includes the former HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Denis O’Connor and former General Secretary of the Trades Union Congress Brendan Barber.

Chairman Steve Williams announced his intention to set up an independent panel to review the structure of the Federation last December in the wake of the Andrew Mitchell affair.

It aims to ensure that the Federation “continues to deliver a credible voice for rank and file policing” and the ability to “constructively influence public policy on crime and policing”, said a statement from PFEW.

The review will consider the responsibilities of the Office of Constable, the importance of enhancing public confidence in policing, transparency of decision-making and whether subscription fees are good value for money.

The independent panel, announced on 26 February, will also include: Professor Linda Dickens, an industrial relations expert from the University of Warwick; Kathryn Kane, former Merseyside Police Federation chair; and Dr Neil Bentley, deputy director-general and chief operating officer of the Confederation of British Industry.

Sir David said he was pleased to have been asked to chair the review.

“The Federation has a proud history of representing and negotiating on behalf of rank and file police officers but, like all organisations, the environment it operates in is continually changing,” he said.

“I look forward to working with the other members of the review – each of whom brings important experience and expertise – to shape the future of an organisation which is and will remain an important partner in ensuring both the welfare and the efficiency of the police service.”

The report is expected to be completed within six months, and its findings and recommendations will be presented at the PFEW Annual Conference in May 2014.