Welcome to this month’s blog, which provides a round-up of the Federation's recent work on your behalf.
Hinkley Point B and C
[An update on this topic has been circulated to members directly].
Hartlepool visit
We’re continuing with site visits to speak directly with members and reps and this month went to Hartlepool. We took questions on pensions, conduct issues, staffing around school holidays and the reporting of notable incidents to PSD.
If you have questions or concerns and can’t join us when we visit your location, please do drop us a line in between times.
Amendments to the Police (Conduct, Performance and Complaints and Misconduct) Regulations 2025
These reforms are part of the Home Office’s ongoing programme to improve police accountability and professionalism and they will affect all officers, including those of us in the Civil Nuclear Constabulary (CNC).
Key points to note about the 2025 Reforms
In February 2024, Tranche One of the reforms brought in:
A new misconduct panel structure, where hearings are now chaired by a Chief Officer (or a senior delegate), replacing the former system where Legally Qualified Chairs (LQCs) led the panel.
Legally Qualified Persons (LQPs) now serve in an advisory-only role, without decision-making authority.
Panels must include two Independent Panel Members (IPMs) to provide a level of external oversight and scrutiny.
Expanded powers for the IOPC and tighter timeframes for disciplinary outcomes.
These changes were designed to increase transparency and rebuild public trust, but concerns had been expressed about:
Loss of legal impartiality in decision-making
Increased pressure on senior officers
Reduced local discretion and greater procedural rigidity
Tranche Two introduces several further reforms:
Removal of Stage 3 Unsatisfactory Performance Procedure (UPP): While this simplifies the process, it risks officers with performance challenges losing the structured support they previously relied on before formal action is taken. We must ensure that efficiency doesn’t come at the expense of fairness or officer wellbeing.
Mandatory Vetting now enforceable by law: All officers must now hold and maintain the appropriate level of vetting to remain in service. Critically, loss of vetting clearance - regardless of any misconduct finding - can now result in dismissal. This marks a major shift from what was previously a guidance-led process to one now underpinned by legislation.
This change has raised concerns across all Police Federations and Staff Associations, particularly around a lack of transparency in how vetting decisions are made, inconsistent application of vetting standards between forces, and compressed and shortened timeframes from the start to end of the vetting process, which risks limiting meaningful representation or challenge.
We are pressing for urgent clarity, proper oversight, and for the Authorised Professional Practice (APP) to be updated swiftly so that the new framework is applied fairly and consistently across the service.
Extension of the Barred List to Non-Home Office Forces: Officers dismissed for misconduct from forces like the CNC will now appear on the national Barred List. While this improves transparency and public safety, it also highlights the need for consistent standards, procedural fairness, and proper support for officers in non-Home Office environments like ours.
Not all of the changes are negative - some offer potential for real improvement:
Electronic notices and documentation should reduce unnecessary delays and make processes more efficient.
Accelerated misconduct hearings for former officers reinforce accountability beyond service.
There’s now a stronger emphasis on proportionality, aligning with our long-standing calls for balanced and fair treatment in conduct and performance matters.
Accountability Review
As our officers are routinely armed, the Home Office’s Accountability Review is especially relevant. It seeks to address long-standing issues that firearms officers face after high-pressure incidents. The review proposes:
Clearer thresholds for initiating criminal investigations after use-of-force incidents, reducing the risk of automatic or disproportionate scrutiny.
Faster decision-making with early triage and improved independent oversight, to avoid prolonged uncertainty.
A cultural shift from a default punitive stance to a more supportive, learning-based approach—recognising the extreme pressure firearms officers operate under.
We understand the psychological toll this environment can place on you. The CNPF will continue to advocate for fair treatment, psychological support, and a proportionate approach to post-incident procedures.
The CNPF will continue to monitor how these reforms are rolled out across the CNC. We will advocate to ensure your rights, wellbeing, and professional integrity are protected at every stage.
Please continue to share your thoughts, experiences, and concerns - whether with your local Federation representatives or directly with the Federation Chair. Your feedback plays a critical role in helping us shape fair and effective policies that support all our officers.
External meetings
Police reform was on the agenda when we met with the Police Federation of England and Wales and the Chairs and Secretaries from the Federations in the other non-Home Office forces (Northern Ireland, Scotland, BTP and Ministry of Defence Police) this month.
We have also had discussions on how non-Home Office forces can better engage with relevant Ministers and governments in our respective countries to further our individual and collective aims.
Police Treatment Centres AGM
A separate post will follow on the work of the Police Treatment Centres and Police Children’s Trust because we really had our eyes opened at the charities’ AGM this month.
In the meantime, we wanted to draw your attention to the online Women’s Health programme offered by the Treatment Centres. The team providing this service comprises rehabilitation specialists with a wealth of knowledge and understanding of the demands of policing. They can support female colleagues in remaining in their role or facilitate a confident return to work, as well as helping officers enjoy their personal life and hobbies.
The programme includes support with:
Ante and post-natal fitness
Menopause
Pelvic floor
Nutrition
Weight management
Fitness training
Signposting to virtual resources inc. PTC educational videos
Officers wishing to access the secure and confidential online service will receive an initial dual assessment with the charity's women’s health-trained fitness and physiotherapy professionals, followed by a detailed treatment plan including signposting to appropriate services or resources.
National Police Wellbeing Survey
Staying with wellbeing matters, thanks to everyone who completed the National Police Wellbeing Survey from Oscar Kilo. Given this was the first time CNC has participated, we were in the top ten for the number of responses received from each force. It’s not a competition but this does demonstrate the level of interest in wellbeing.
An initial results dashboard will be shared with participating forces soon. This will be followed by a national report that will be published within two months of the survey closing, so we’re anticipating that being available in August.
It’s important we can all see how your feedback can shape change in CNC and across policing.
Get in touch
Please remember, we’re here if you need us. If you have a question or concern, contact a local rep or contact us directly.
Darren Adams - Federation Chair