South Wales Police Federation chair Steve Treharne hopes this year’s virtual annual national Federation conference, which starts today, will give more members a chance to hear what key speakers have to say.

Policing Under Pressure is the theme of the conference, which is being held online for the first time because of the pandemic.

Facilitated by TV and radio presenter Ian Collins, the two-day conference will examine current policing issues.

And Steve said: “It’s a shame that the pandemic means we can’t all be together but the fact it’s being held online, hopefully, should allow more members to get involved.

“We are encouraging our delegates to take the opportunity where possible to engage with Government ministers, decisions-makers and leading police figures to help shape the future of the Federation and policing.”

Day 1 highlights include a discussion on Policing Under Pressure with policing minister Kit Malthouse; shadow policing minister Sarah Jones; Martin Hewitt, the chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, and Sir Thomas Winsor, HM Chief Inspector of Constabulary.

TV presenter Mark Durden-Smith will speak to some of the nominees for the Police Bravery Awards, there’s an update on pay, conditions and pensions facilitated by former political spin doctor and recent Good Morning Britain host Alastair Campbell, and national chair John Apter will make a keynote speech alongside a senior Cabinet minister.

Day 2 highlights include discussions on trial by media, policing protests and wellbeing as well as understanding misogyny in policing, investing in the investigators and recruitment during the pandemic.