At the Federation’s biannual conference on 27 November 2024, the decision to appoint Colin Longstaff as the new CEO of the organisation was ratified by the Executive Board. More information is in our circular dated 9 October.
With just a few weeks before outgoing CEO Gary Thwaite steps down, he has been reflecting on his time as a Fed rep and the highs and lows of the last six years leading the Civil Nuclear Police Federation.
I’m like many Fed reps; the desire to make a difference and help others drives us. It may seem like we sometimes care too much, but it’s always about supporting people.
Looking back, I still smile at how I became involved in the Federation. Years ago, I was sent to a Federation conference as a unit delegate due to a disagreement between my local branch and the national executive. Before this, I had little prior involvement with the Federation.
After the conference, during an evening at the bar, I gave the then CEO and Chair a pretty hard time in a “finger-pointed-in-the-air ‘and another thing’” style. I later learned that my comments prompted the Chair to draft a resignation email to the Chief Constable in the early hours, which he wisely retracted the following day. I only found out about this incident a couple of years later.
I got heavily involved with the Federation when I returned to my unit. In hindsight, Mark, the then Chair, got his own back a few times over. Now, when I find myself on the receiving end of similar treatment, I can’t help but smile - sometimes.
Gary’s highlights
There have been many positives from the last six years. Of course, the big-ticket items, such as pensions, parity, and legislative changes, stand out. However, I’m particularly proud of helping people in their moments of greatest need. Supporting colleagues during incredibly challenging situations is an honour, even though it can take its toll.
I’m pleased to have raised the profile of the Federation and the CNC. This includes upskilling our reps to provide a more professional service. When I started, we had only three trained reps for post-incident support, including me. Now, most of our reps are highly trained, and we’ve added a third full-time position. We’re now far better equipped to handle the pressures of modern policing.
Lastly, I’m proud we have built lasting relationships. Relationships have been critical to our progress, whether with the force, the government, or other Federations. A wise man once told me, “Your role is all about building relationships,” and that advice has proven invaluable.
Fighting for a seat at the table
It’s good to reflect on the positives because we haven’t had an easy time. As a Federation, we have faced significant challenges, including the pandemic, shifting political landscapes, and the increased demand for representation following the issues highlighted in the Angiolini report. Despite this, we’ve made considerable progress as a team. I think we have helped lead and navigate the force through these challenges.
Due to the often personal nature of our support, we can’t share much of what we do to represent and help individual officers. But I’m okay with that, as we aim to be fair and dignified in how we conduct our business.
I believe we’ve chosen our battles wisely and been robust when necessary. I might say I’ve occasionally been too robust in hindsight, but hindsight is always clearer. Our passion comes from wanting to make a positive difference.
The Federation often absorbs the frustrations of the entire policing structure - top to bottom, individual to organisational. Acting as a lightning rod can be draining, especially when switching off is hard. Still, by focusing on key battles, we’ve addressed many member concerns, some of which were highlighted in previous staff surveys.
One of the elusive areas where I would have liked to have progressed more is in relation to national policing engagement. With policing tending to fall under the Home Office, the non-Home Office Federations often have to fight for a seat at the consultation/negotiating tables. The blockers here have been political, in my view, but as we progress, hopefully, this will improve in the future.
Recognising the work of our members
The Federation exists to support its members and safeguard their interests. In today’s climate, our members face more scrutiny than ever before - often unfairly. While the negative tends to get more attention, the overwhelming good our members do deserves to be recognised.
One of my last official roles was hosting the Federation’s new Excellence Awards. It gave me great pride to honour the work of some of our colleagues, and, having started modestly, I hope this event continues to grow. There is a lot of great work done within CNC by brilliant people who don’t look for thanks but do deserve it.
As I step back, I’m confident the new team will bring fresh ideas and leadership. My wish is that they continue to build on our progress, leaving the Federation in an even better place for the future.
With thanks
I want to thank many people for supporting us over the years, particularly Ian and, later, Daz, with whom I work closely every day. The Chief and the executive team have been supportive and always invite challenges. The reps do a fantastic job and don’t get enough recognition; the same goes for the wider Federation executive team. I appreciate the national federations who have given me support and friendship. There are others for whom I am eternally grateful for supporting me, but I’m not sure they will appreciate me naming them so publicly – you know who you are.
And last but not least, thank you to the members for all they do – it has been an honour to represent you.
New year, new role
It feels right to move on “on my own terms,” knowing we’ve made a positive long-term difference. Leading the Federation and representing our members has been a privilege; I have thoroughly enjoyed the role. As I have described, it hasn’t been without its challenges, but I’m proud to leave the Federation in a strong position.
I’m spending time handing over to Colin and the team before taking some time off with my family over Christmas. I’ll return to the force in January will be heading into the specialist training Chief Inspector role based out of Griffin Park.
Strangely, I’m looking forward to putting on the uniform again. My kids often ask if I’m still a police officer, so it’ll be nice to show them I still am. Although the training role is new for me, I’m excited to get started in the New Year. If you are passing by, please feel free to say hello – no need to bring up any federation issues! J
Christmas message
I don’t want to sign off before wishing those of you who celebrate a very happy and peaceful Christmas and sending all of you the very best for 2025. It has been a year of ups and downs for many of us, but your commitment has remained throughout.
In any job, it can sometimes feel like you’re a name on a spreadsheet or a cog in a machine, but I would encourage you to reflect on what you have achieved this year. I hear how our organisation and, indeed, the industry talk about you and your work; collectively, we have much to be proud of.
If you’re working over the festive period, thank you. I hope you all get time to spend with the people who matter most to you.