Have your say on pay and morale

 Members are being urged to take part in the annual Police Federation pay and morale survey.

 The findings of the survey are used as evidence in the Federation’s annual submission to the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB) which advises the Government on officer pay.

 “I would encourage every member to take the time to fill out this survey and have their say on pay and morale. This is an opportunity that we should all make the most of,” says Steve Treharne, chair of South Wales Police Federation.

“Not only does the Federation nationally use the results as part of its submission to PRRB but it also refers to the findings when meeting with Government ministers and other key stakeholders. Locally, we also use the findings when we are negotiating on officers’ behalf with our own chief officer team.

 “We need as many members as possible to respond to this survey to give weight to our representations on their behalf.”

 Last year’s survey revealed:

  • 79 per cent of South Wales respondents were dissatisfied with their overall remuneration, including pay and allowances
  • 74 per cent felt they were worse off financially than they were five years ago
  • 51 per cent reported worrying about the state of their finances every day or almost every day
  • 16 per cent reported never or almost never having enough money to cover all their essentials.
  • Half said their morale was low, and
  • Two thirds said they would not recommend joining the police to others.

 In last year’s survey 749 responses were received from South Wales Police, representing a response rate of around 25 per cent  (based on July 2019 Home Office figures of officer headcount).

 The national response rate for the 2019 survey was approximately 16 per cent of all Federated rank officers in England and Wales. Last year’s response rate for South Wales Police was 17 per cent.

 “I hear the comments questioning what the numerous surveys we are asked to complete actually achieve. But the pay and  morale survey is the most important one that you will complete this year,” says Steve.

“The survey forms the evidence for our pay submissions to the PPRB. This year, we saw our evidence accepted and the bottom pay scales for sergeants was removed. I am asking for your assistance in this crucial area to increase the number of officers who respond this year. We really do need your help so that we can help you.”

 The survey has been issued via the Federation’s National Member Database and will close at midnight on Friday 11 September.

  • Contact the Federation office if you need a link to the survey by emailing office@swpf.org