He may have only held the responsibility for a matter of months, but new workplace representative Matthew Stanley has already outlined his commitment to the Federation for the long haul.
He has thrown himself straight into action following the recent rep elections, helping members in multiple cases, including those related to health and safety and equipment.
He has enjoyed 12 years with South Wales Police, working in the Force’s control room as a dispatcher before becoming a regular officer in 2016.
“I liked my job as a dispatcher, but I got to a point where I wanted to do more in an emergency situation than sit at a desk,” said Matthew.
“So, I essentially took the next step along the frontline and I spent my first few years on response as a police officer, where I mainly worked in Swansea, Townhill and Morriston.
“After that, I moved to traffic because I wanted to stay on the frontline but become more specialised, and that takes me up to where I am now, based out of Lakeside Police Station in Swansea.
“I think that process of specialising and ticking off skills as I go has been one of the highlights of my career so far, along with the relationships I have made with both colleagues and the public.”
Support
It was within Matthew’s current Force role that he required the support of the Federation himself when he was reported to its Professional Standards Department (PSD) for speeding on a job without perceived justification.
During this time, he lost his advanced response driving certification due to the fallout from the case, delaying the refresher course he was set to take.
But the branch was by his side every step of the way as he submitted exemption forms to prove he had a lawful reason for breaking the speed limit.
Eventually, the case was dropped by PSD, and he was able to get his certification reinstated.
“The Fed has been a great organisation for me and now I want to give something back – that’s the main reason I’ve become a rep,” said Matthew.
“Everyone needs help at some point, and I want others to look back and see someone fighting their corner when they might feel very threatened and overwhelmed by something much bigger than them, just like I did.”
Workplace rep
The 36-year-old continued: “I always want to have that integrity rather than just telling a member whatever they want to hear, because that ultimately helps no one.
“By the same token, that means if I genuinely believe you have been unfairly treated, I will fight tooth and nail for you. I will break down that rank structure and make sure you are seen as a person before an officer.”
One challenge Matthew admits he is conscious of is ‘maintaining healthy working relationships with colleagues and senior officers’ in circumstances where he is overseeing a case involving them.
“But managing this is a sacrifice I am willing to make if it gets justice for our members,” added Matthew, who is keen to offer such support for years to come as a workplace rep.
“I’m definitely keen to keep pushing health and safety, but I really want to support with everything – misconduct, pay, equality, and the rest.
“It’s early days, but perhaps when the hustle and bustle in my Force role gets too much for me, I could look to become a full-time rep.
“Now I’m in this position, I want to keep learning and developing to benefit our members as much as possible.”