Annual Report

Conference 2008

NATIONAL CONFERENCE 2008

The National Conference 2008 took place at Carden Park in Cheshire from 15th – 18th   September.

Once again the PSAEW annual conference was considered to be one of the highlights of the policing calendar attracting more than 150 delegates from all of the 46 Branches of the Association, guests from a wide range of stakeholders, and fraternal  Superintendent delegates from Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the  Republic of Ireland. The conference attracted a wide range of exhibitors and sponsors, all of whom acknowledged the key role that Superintendents play in the policing of England & Wales. The national media and specialist police press provided exhaustive and prominent coverage of the conference recognising the strategic level of issues under discussion during the week.

Planning for the conference is the responsibility of the Conference Arrangements Committee, chaired by the Vice President. This brings together members of the national office, NEC and Business Area leads. The work of the Committee starts immediately after the preceding conference and carries on with regular planning meetings throughout the year. The conference is an important opportunity for the PSAEW to highlight the work of our members and the vital contribution they make to policing across England and Wales. In addition, the conference seeks to influence the national policing agenda, deliver key messages and to inform, engage and challenge delegates. The networking opportunities continue to prove popular and a great deal of work is conducted outside of the main conference hall.

The Committee always have in mind the values and vision of the Association  and look to  bring in speakers who are  influential, interesting and challenging who will bring a fresh  and topical approach and informed opinion. This year we were fortunate to attract a particularly high quality range of presenters at both the main hall and the elective sessions. These included an address from both the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith and the Shadow Home Secretary Dominic Grieve.

Main Hall Presentations

Protective Services
Sir Norman Bettison   Chief Constable West Yorkshire
Steve Burrows   NEC & Crime Business Area lead

Anti Social Behaviour
Tim Jackson   NEC
Helen Newlove
Louise Casey   Home Office Cross-Governmental Task Force
Irene Curtis    NEC
John Burgess   Inspector Essex Police

Be a Better Superintendent
Robin Jarman   NEC and Command Resilience Business Area lead
Emma Donaldson-Fielder Affinity Health at Work
Andrew Reynolds  Revitalised

The Future of Policing
Tony McNulty   Police Minister
Matt Baggot   Chief Constable Leicestershire Constabulary
Ian Johnston   President PSAEW

Safety & Risk in the Police Service
Archie Torrance  NEC and HR Business Area lead
Alec Wood   NEC
Joe Stewart   Director of HR PSNI
Nick Kettle   Met Police

We were pleased this year to welcome Ben Ando, the Home Affairs correspondent from the BBC who facilitated proceedings during conference, and to welcome back Alastair Stewart from ITN News who chaired the ever popular Question Time session.

One feature that continues to attract support is the session for first time attendees at conference. Our research indicates that approximately 25% of delegates are attending conference for the first time and it is important to make them feel welcome and comfortable with all the opportunities that conference presents. The session held on the opening evening provides a welcome from the President and an overview of the conference and how it operates. Feedback from delegates has been particularly warm.

Each year we seek the feedback from guests, delegates, sponsors and exhibitors to ensure that our conference continues to be of a high standard and importantly value for money.

My thanks in closing go to all the members of the Conference Arrangements Committee without whose commitment and energy conference could not take place. In addition special thanks to Janet Johnston, Pat Cassidy, and Brian and Paula Allinson who kindly gave of their time to provide logistical support at conference this year. A final thank you to the exhibitors and sponsors whose attendance and contribution is vital to ensuring the long term future of the Police Superintendents’ Association of England & Wales National Conference.

I look forward to meeting all delegates, guests, exhibitors and sponsors at the 2009 conference which will be held at the Chesford Grange Hotel in Warwickshire between  14th - 17th September.

Conference Arrangements Committee.
Derek Barnett    Vice President (Chair)
Ian Johnston    President
Pat Stayt    National Secretary
Graham Cassidy    National Deputy Secretary
Sarah Gibbons    Communication Manager
Wendy Conway    National Office
Sue Payne   National Office
Tom Moran    National Office
Peter Williams   PSAEW Marketing Manager
Buz Ross   Whitwam Ltd
Archie Torrance    NEC
Tim Jackson    NEC

Derek Barnett
Vice President
Chair Conference Arrangements Committee