Representation Bodies
In UK Policing (2026)
Statutory Authorities, Independent Associations & Faith Networks
Definitive Answer
Who Represents Police Officers in the UK?
Police officers in the UK are represented by statutory bodies, not trade unions. The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) represents Constables through to Chief Inspectors under the Police Act 1919. The Police Superintendents' Association (PSA) represents Superintendent ranks. CPOSA (Chief Police Officers' Staff Association) is a non-statutory professional body for chief officers. Independent associations (NBPA, NPA) and faith networks provide consultative support but cannot negotiate pay. Section 91 of the Police Act 1996 prohibits industrial action.
Representation Bodies
Comparison Matrix
| Body | Rank Coverage | Statutory? | Negotiates Pay? | Legal Rep? | Industrial Action? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Police Federation (PFEW) | Con - Ch.Insp | Yes | Yes (PRRB) | Yes | Prohibited |
| Superintendents' Association (PSA) | Supt - Ch.Supt | Yes | Yes (PRRB) | Yes | Prohibited |
| CPOSA | ACC - CC | Non-Statutory | Contracts | Indemnity | Prohibited |
| National Police Association (NPA) | All Ranks | No | No | No | Prohibited |
| NBPA | All Ranks | No | No | Advisory | Prohibited |
| NAMP (Muslim Police) | All Ranks | No | No | No | Prohibited |
| Christian Police Association | All Ranks | No | No | No | Prohibited |
| Jewish Police Association | All Ranks | No | No | No | Prohibited |
| Sikh Police Association | All Ranks | No | No | No | Prohibited |
| Pagan Police Association | All Ranks | No | No | No | Prohibited |
| Disability Police Association | All Ranks | No | No | Advisory | Prohibited |
| National Police Autism Association | All Ranks | No | No | Advisory | Prohibited |
| LGBT+ Police Network | All Ranks | No | No | No | Prohibited |
Note: Only the Police Federation and Superintendents' Association have statutory negotiating rights. CPOSA is a non-statutory professional association. All other bodies provide consultative, advisory, or welfare support.
Section 1: Statutory
Representation
These bodies are established by the Police Act and have a formal legal role in the negotiation of pay, regulations, and misconduct proceedings.
Police Federation
Rank & FileThe statutory body for Constables, Sergeants, and Inspectors. Funded by mandatory subscription, it provides legal indemnity and negotiates pay.
Superintendents' Association
Senior LeadershipRepresenting the 'Superintending' ranks. A critical policy influencer that bridges the gap between operational command and strategic executive leadership.
Section 2: Independent
National Associations
Non-statutory bodies that operate outside the Federation structure to represent specific demographics, identities, or interests.
National Police Assoc.
IndependentAn emerging independent voice focusing on broader welfare issues and offering an alternative to the statutory federation model.
NBPA
Race & EqualityThe National Black Police Association. A critical "Tier 2" stakeholder challenging racial disproportionality in recruitment and misconduct.
CPOSA
ExecutiveChief Police Officers' Staff Association. The non-statutory body representing ACPO ranks. Focuses on governance indemnity and executive contracts.
LGBT+ Police
NetworkNational LGBT+ Police Network. Supporting officers regarding sexual orientation and gender identity, focusing on inclusion and hate crime policy.
Disability Police
AssociationDisability Police Association (DPA). Exploring the Equality Act 2010, reasonable adjustments, and workforce neurodiversity.
NPAA
NeurodiversityNational Police Autism Association. Supporting neurodivergent officers, promoting cognitive diversity, and advising on operational adjustments.
Section 3: Faith-Based
Representation
Religious staff associations in the UK police service provide essential pastoral care and advise on the intersection of faith and policing duties.
Christian Police Assoc.
Largest faith network, founded 1883.
Jewish Police Assoc.
Supporting Jewish officers & community.
Sikh Police Assoc.
Advocacy for Sikh articles of faith.
Pagan Police Assoc.
Supporting earth-based faith officers.
Assoc. Muslim Police
Strategic advisor on Islamic faith & policing.
Section 4: Staff Networks
vs Independent Associations
Are police staff networks the same as the Police Federation? No.
This is the most common confusion in police representation. The Police Federation is a create of statute (law) with automatic enrolment and legal protections. Staff Networks are voluntary groups that focus on identity and culture. They cannot negotiate pay, but they hold immense "soft power" in influencing internal culture and vetting standards.
Legal Authority
Cultural Influence
Section 5: Governance
& Reform Influence Layer
Police Act 1996
The primary legislation prohibiting police officers from striking (Section 91) and establishing the legal framework for the Federation.
PRRB Process
The Police Remuneration Review Body. An independent panel that accepts evidence from representation bodies to recommend annual pay awards.
The NPCC
National Police Chiefs' Council. The body of Chief Constables that consults with staff networks on operational policy implementation.
College of Policing
Sets the regulations and codes of practice. Networks lobby the College to amend 'Vetting Appeals' and 'Code of Ethics' guidance.
Police Race Action Plan
The joint NPCC/College vehicle for anti-racism. Representation bodies like the NBPA and ISOC sit on the oversight board (ISOB) to holding the service to account on delivery.
Section 6: Landmark
Legal Rulings
Tribunal findings and case law that shape the legal accountability and representation of police officers.
Broadbent v Police Federation
Latest AnalysisIndependent legal analysis of the tribunal findings on discrimination, Section 64 of the Police Act 1996, and the implications for Article 11 ECHR in policing.
Section 64 Police Act 1996 Explained
Constitutional GuideIndependent legal deep dive into the prohibition on police trade union membership, the 1919 Police Strikes, Article 11 ECHR, and constitutional implications.
Why Police Officers
Cannot Join Trade Unions
The prohibition on police officers joining trade unions or engaging in industrial action is rooted in the unique constitutional status of the Office of Constable and the historical context of the 1919 police strikes.
Office of Constable
Police officers in England and Wales hold the Office of Constable, a unique legal status established by common law. Unlike employees, constables derive their authority directly from the Crown, not from their employer. This independent status grants them discretionary powers of arrest and prosecution, but also restricts their ability to engage in collective bargaining or industrial action.
Police Act 1919
Following the police strikes of 1918 and 1919, the government passed the Police Act 1919, which criminalised police strikes and established the Police Federation as a statutory alternative to trade unionism. This Act created the framework for police representation that persists today, substituting collective bargaining with statutory consultation.
Section 91 Police Act 1996
Section 91 of the Police Act 1996 makes it a criminal offence for a police officer to cause disaffection amongst members of a police force or to induce any other member to withhold their services. This prohibition is absolute and applies to all ranks. Breach of Section 91 can result in criminal prosecution and dismissal.
PRRB Pay Determination
In exchange for surrendering the right to strike, police pay is determined by the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB), an independent panel that reviews evidence submitted by the Police Federation, Superintendents' Association, and other stakeholders.
However, the government is not legally bound to accept the PRRB's recommendations, leading to ongoing tension when awards are rejected or modified.
Industrial Action Prohibition
Police officers are prohibited from:
- Striking or withdrawing labour
- Inducing others to strike
- Joining trade unions
- Engaging in "work to rule" campaigns
- Participating in political demonstrations while in uniform
Article 11 ECHR
While Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights guarantees freedom of assembly and association, it permits "lawful restrictions" on these rights for members of the armed forces and the police. This is the legal basis upon which the UK government prohibits police officers from joining trade unions.
Legal & Governance
Architecture
The representation ecosystem operates within a complex legal and governance framework established by statute, common law, and institutional convention.
Police Act 1919
Established the Police Federation as a statutory body following the police strikes. Prohibited police officers from joining trade unions and engaging in industrial action. Created the legal framework for police representation that persists today.
Police Act 1996
The primary legislation governing police representation. Section 91 prohibits industrial action. Sections 59-63 establish the statutory framework for the Police Federation and Superintendents' Association, including their consultative rights on Police Regulations.
PRRB
The Police Remuneration Review Body is an independent panel that receives evidence from representation bodies and makes recommendations to the Home Secretary on police pay and allowances. Established to provide an alternative to collective bargaining.
NPCC
The National Police Chiefs' Council coordinates national policing strategy. Representation bodies engage with NPCC portfolios on workforce policy, diversity, and operational standards. The NPCC does not negotiate pay but influences workforce policy.
College of Policing
The professional body for policing. Sets standards for vetting, training, and promotion. Representation bodies are consulted on changes to the Code of Ethics, National Police Promotion Framework, and other professional standards.
Equality Act 2010
Provides the legal framework for protected characteristics and reasonable adjustments. Independent associations (NBPA, DPA, NPAA) use the Equality Act to challenge discriminatory practices and advocate for systemic reform.
Common Questions
About Police Representation
Who represents police officers in the UK?
Police officers in the UK are represented by statutory bodies, not trade unions. The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) represents Constables through to Chief Inspectors under the Police Act 1919. The Police Superintendents' Association (PSA) represents Superintendent ranks. CPOSA (Chief Police Officers' Staff Association) is a non-statutory professional body for chief officers. Independent associations (NBPA, NPA) and faith networks provide consultative support but cannot negotiate pay.
Is the Police Federation a union?
No. The Police Federation is a statutory staff association established by the Police Act 1919, not a trade union. Unlike a trade union, it is legally prohibited from calling for industrial action (strikes) under Section 91 of the Police Act 1996. However, it has statutory rights to negotiate pay and conditions through the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB).
Can police officers strike in the UK?
No. It is a criminal offence for police officers to strike or induce others to strike under Section 91 of the Police Act 1996. This restriction was introduced in 1919 following the police strikes and is maintained to ensure the impartial continuity of public safety and national security. Breach of Section 91 can result in criminal prosecution and dismissal.
Is CPOSA a statutory body?
No. CPOSA (Chief Police Officers' Staff Association) is a non-statutory professional association for chief officers. Unlike the Police Federation and Superintendents' Association, which are established by statute, CPOSA evolved as an independent body to provide insurance, contract advice, and professional support for chief officers on fixed-term contracts.
What is the difference between statutory and independent police associations?
Statutory associations (Police Federation, Superintendents' Association) are established by law and have formal rights to negotiate pay and conditions through the PRRB. Independent associations (NBPA, NPA, DPA, NPAA) are voluntary bodies that provide consultative, advisory, and welfare support but cannot negotiate pay or provide legal indemnity in the same capacity as statutory bodies.
What is Article 11 ECHR in policing?
Article 11 of the European Convention on Human Rights guarantees freedom of assembly and association. For police officers, this right is qualified; they may form associations, but the state may impose lawful restrictions (such as the ban on striking and joining trade unions) to prevent disorder and protect public safety.
Who negotiates police pay in the UK?
Police pay is determined by the Police Remuneration Review Body (PRRB), an independent panel that receives evidence from the Police Federation, Superintendents' Association, and other stakeholders. The PRRB makes recommendations to the Home Secretary, but the government is not legally bound to accept them. This system replaces traditional collective bargaining.
What is the NBPA?
The National Black Police Association (NBPA) is an independent body that advocates for the interests of Black and Minority Ethnic (BAME) officers and staff. It focuses on racial equity, recruitment, retention, and challenging discriminatory practices within the service. The NBPA is a consultative stakeholder but does not negotiate pay or provide legal indemnity.
What is the National Police Association?
The National Police Association (NPA) is an emerging independent voice in the representation landscape, often advocating for broader welfare issues and officer wellbeing. It operates independently of the statutory Federation structure, providing an alternative perspective on policing capabilities and workforce pressures.
Do faith associations have legal authority in policing?
No. Faith associations (Christian Police Association, Jewish Police Association, Sikh Police Association, etc.) are non-statutory bodies. They cannot provide legal indemnity or represent officers in misconduct hearings in the same capacity as the Police Federation. Their role is consultative, advisory, and supportive, focusing on pastoral welfare and policy rather than legal defence.
Institutional Interlinking
& Resources
Deep links to all authority guides, institutional analyses, and related resources across the representation ecosystem.
Statutory Bodies
Independent Associations
Faith Networks
Document Status
Methodology & Source Framework
This analysis is based on published legislation (Police Act 1919, Police Act 1996), public statutes, the PRRB framework, NPCC documentation, and College of Policing governance materials. All representation bodies are categorized according to their statutory status and legal authority. CPOSA is explicitly identified as a non-statutory professional association for chief officers.
Independence Statement: This is independent explanatory analysis. This resource is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any police representation body, government department, or law enforcement agency. All information is provided for educational and informational purposes only.