Police Federation launches first accredited postgraduate programme for representatives
The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) is set to revolutionise the professional development of its representatives with the launch of a pioneering accredited programme in partnership with The Open University. This autumn, the organisation will introduce a Level 7 Postgraduate Certificate in Advanced Professional Practice tailored specifically to the demands of Federation representatives. The initiative aims to formally recognise and enhance the skills, knowledge, and behaviours of both current and future reps, reflecting the increasing complexity and scrutiny faced by police officers and their advocates.
The new qualification emerges amid heightened public expectations and political oversight in policing, where the role of officers and those supporting them has grown more demanding. According to the PFEW, the key to effective policing lies not merely in officer numbers but in securing the right personnel, equipped with the appropriate skills, fairly remunerated, well-trained, and retained effectively. Representatives play a critical function in supporting over 145,000 Federation members and advocating on their behalf. As the Federation emphasises, the growing challenges and responsibilities placed on these representatives necessitate professionalism and consistency that only rigorous, externally validated accreditation can provide.
The articulation of this programme involved close collaboration between Dr Sean Bell, a lecturer in Policing Organisation and Practice at The Open University, and David Bamber, PFEW’s Learning and Development lead. The curriculum is designed to ensure relevance to the real-world demands faced by Federation reps. It consists of two modules; the first fosters personal reflection, self-awareness, and a critical assessment of one’s role within the Federation, while the second allows specialisation in key subject areas such as wellbeing, misconduct, or equality through a research project blending academic rigour with practical application. Successful completion grants the Postgraduate Certificate, marking a historic recognition of professionalism within the Federation.
This credential aligns with PFEW’s 2028 Strategic Vision and will commence enrolment following the 2025 PFEW elections, with the first intake expected in November 2025. Mukund Krishna, the Federation’s chief executive officer, articulated that the programme represents more than individual achievement; it is a strategic investment in the Federation’s strength and by extension, the public it serves. This move underscores the Federation’s commitment to maintaining relevance and forward-thinking leadership in UK policing.
The Open University’s involvement in police education is part of a broader portfolio that includes qualifications such as the Police Constable Degree Apprenticeship (PCDA) and the Police Community Support Officer (PCSO) Apprenticeship. These programmes combine practical training with academic study and meet national standards like the College of Policing’s Police Education Qualifications Framework (PEQF). The university collaborates widely across policing organisations to ensure its curriculum remains attuned to sector needs.
Beyond this new postgraduate programme for Federation reps, there is a wider push within policing to integrate formal qualifications into professional development. Webinars recently hosted by the Police Federation National Detectives’ Forum in partnership with Staffordshire University highlighted the challenge of translating operational experience into academic credit, and the availability of financial support like the College of Policing bursary and Serve and Protect Credit Union loans. Additionally, the concept of Accredited Prior Learning (APL) and Accredited Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) helps officers have their on-the-job experience recognised towards academic qualifications, supporting career progression and personal development.
In the context of policing evolving to meet contemporary societal and organisational challenges, the PFEW’s new accreditation initiative for its representatives is a noteworthy advancement. It establishes a formal, validated foundation for professionalism within the Federation, enhancing credibility and consistency, and ensuring that representatives are equipped to meet their critical roles with validated expertise.