Chief Police Officers'
Staff Association
Governance, Legal Status & Executive Representation (2026)
Executive Definition: What is CPOSA?
The Chief Police Officers’ Staff Association (CPOSA) is the professional body representing the most senior leadership ranks in UK policing: Assistant Chief Constables, Deputy Chief Constables, and Chief Constables. Unlike the Police Federation, CPOSA is a non-statutory staff association rather than a body created by Act of Parliament.
Its primary mandate is to provide executive governance support, insurance against personal legal liability, and welfare advocacy for chiefs who operate in a high-risk political and operational environment. While the Police Federation protects the rank-and-file, CPOSA ensures that the service's strategic leaders have the necessary protection to make difficult decisions without fear of personal financial ruin or undefended political dismissal.
Section 1: Why Chief Officers
Require Separate Representation
The structure of British police representation is strictly hierarchical. The Police Federation (PFEW) has a statutory monopoly on representing officers from Constable to Chief Inspector. The Police Superintendents’ Association (PSA) covers Superintendents and Chief Superintendents. Chief Officers—those holding ranks above Chief Superintendent—fall outside both of these statutory safety nets.
This separation is not merely bureaucratic; it is functional. Chief Officers act as the "Employer function" in many legal contexts (though technically officers are servants of the Crown). They are the decision-makers in misconduct hearings for lower ranks and occupy a unique constitutional position that exposes them to liabilities that federated ranks do not face.
Personal Legal Liability
Unlike a Constable, a Chief Constable can be held personally liable for corporate failings under Health & Safety legislation or Corporate Manslaughter charges. If a force operation goes tragically wrong, the Chief Constable is the "controlling mind" and faces potential criminal prosecution as an individual.
Political Accountability
Chief Officers do not have standard employment rights. They are appointed on fixed-term contracts (usually 5 years) and can be removed by a Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) under Section 38 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. This creates a precarious tenure where professional disagreements can escalate into career-ending dismissals.
Section 2: Historical
Context & Formation
To understand CPOSA, one must navigate the dissolution of the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO). For decades, ACPO functioned as a hybrid entity: it was both the national policy-setting body (creating guidance on everything from firearms to vetting) and the staff association for chief officers.
This dual role became untenable. Critics argued that a private limited company (which ACPO was) should not be setting national strategy while also lobbying for the interests of its members. Following the Parker Review, ACPO was dissolved in 2015.
The split created two distinct entities:
- 1. The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) took over the operational coordination and policy-setting role. It is the "business" side of policing.
- 2. CPOSA took over the staff association role. It is the "people" side, representing the chiefs themselves as individuals requiring support and protection.
This separation ensures there is no conflict of interest. The body that sets the rules (NPCC) is now institutionally distinct from the body that protects the rights of the people enforcing them (CPOSA).
Section 3: Legal
Status & Function
It is vital to clarify that CPOSA is not a statutory body. Unlike the Police Federation, which was created by the Police Act 1919 to prevent police strikes, CPOSA is a voluntary professional association. Membership is not automatic; chief officers must choose to join (though invariably almost all do due to the necessity of insurance coverage).
Because it is not a trade union, CPOSA lacks the legal levers of collective bargaining. It cannot ballot for industrial action (striking is illegal for police regardless). Instead, it relies on strategic influence and legal expertise to protect its members. It acts as a counterbalance to the immense power of the Home Office and PCCs, ensuring that the "Office of Constable" is not politicised through the mistreatment of its most senior guardians.
Section 4: Who CPOSA
Represents
Police Representation Rank Matrix
| Rank Band | Specific Ranks | Representation Body |
|---|---|---|
| Federated Ranks | Constable, Sergeant, Inspector, Chief Inspector | Police Federation (PFEW) |
| Superintendents | Superintendent, Chief Superintendent | Superintendents’ Association (PSA) |
| Chief Officers | Assistant Chief Constable (ACC/Commander), Deputy Chief Constable (DCC), Chief Constable (CC/Commissioner) | CPOSA |
It is important to note that CPOSA also represents senior civilian staff who hold equivalent status, such as Assistant Commissioners in the Metropolis and key Force Medical Examiners or Directors of Finance, provided they are included in the relevant insurance schemes. The defining characteristic is the level of executive liability carried by the role, rather than purely the uniform worn.
Section 5: Core
Functions & Services
1. Executive Legal Support
This is the cornerstone of CPOSA membership. Chief Officers are frequently named as respondents in employment tribunals, judicial reviews, and public inquiries (e.g., the Grenfell or Manchester Arena inquiries). CPOSA provides the legal funding and expert counsel necessary to navigate these complex proceedings, often securing King's Counsel (KC) representation for members.
2. Professional Standards Representation
When a Chief Officer faces an allegation of Gross Misconduct, the investigation is typically handled by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC). These investigations can drag on for years. CPOSA supports the officer throughout, ensuring disclosure is fair and that the "trial by media" often associated with high-profile suspensions is managed.
3. Governance Advice
The relationship between a Chief Constable and a PCC is delicate. CPOSA provides confidential advice on "Chief Officer Contracts," navigating the nuances of the Section 38 dismissal process, and ensuring that any attempt to remove a chief is based on valid performance grounds rather than political whim.
4. National Consultation
CPOSA acts as the "Voice of the Chiefs" in dialogue with the Home Office. Whether discussing pension reform, pay awards, or changes to police regulations, CPOSA ensures that the perspective of executive leadership is formally tabled.
Section 6: Relationship with
PCCs & Home Office
The introduction of Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) in 2012 fundamentally altered the landscape of chief officer employment. Previously, chiefs were appointed by Police Authorities (committees). Now, they are appointed—and can be removed—by a single directly elected politician.
The Section 38 Vulnerability
Under Section 38 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, a PCC can call upon a Chief Constable to retire or resign. While there are checks and balances (review by the Police and Crime Panel), the power ultimately rests with the PCC.
CPOSA views its role as safeguarding operational independence in this context. If a PCC attempts to remove a chief because they refused to pursue a specific political agenda (e.g., arresting certain protesters), CPOSA will intervene legally to argue that the dismissal is an abuse of process. This function is vital for maintaining the impartial "without fear or favour" model of British policing.
Section 7: Institutional
Comparison Table
| Feature | Police Federation | PSA | CPOSA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Statutory Status | Yes (Statutory Body) | Yes (Statutory Body) | No (Voluntary Assoc) |
| Rank Coverage | Con - Ch. Insp | Supt - Ch. Supt | ACC - Chief Constable |
| Pay Process | Collective Bargaining (PRRB) | Consultation (PRRB) | Evidence Only (SSRB) |
| Misconduct Risk | Standard Proceedings | Standard Proceedings | Public/Political Removal |
| Political Exposure | Low (Operational) | Medium (Tactical Command) | Extreme (Strategic/PCC) |
Section 8: Workforce
Stability Impact
While CPOSA represents the few (approx. 200-300 officers nationally), its health is critical for the many. Executive stability creates workforce stability. When a Chief Constable is suspended or removed without due process, it creates a "leadership vacuum" that paralyses decision-making throughout the force.
By ensuring that removals are handled legally and fairly, CPOSA prevents the "revolving door" of leadership that harms long-term strategic planning. A force with a stable, protected Chief Constable is better able to deliver on the Race Action Plan and manage workforce morale. Conversely, when chief officer rights are eroded, the ensuing chaos invariably filters down to the frontline.
The Executive Retention Crisis (Pension Tax)
A critical contemporary focus for CPOSA is the impact of pension taxation on workforce exit rates. Because Chief Officers are high earners with long service, they are disproportionately hit by the Annual Allowance and Lifetime Allowance (prior to recent reforms) tax charges.
This created a perverse incentive where experienced leaders were effectively "paying to work," leading to a mass exodus of talent at the Assistant Chief Constable level. CPOSA has been instrumental in lobbying the Treasury and Home Office for remedial measures, arguing that retaining seasoned strategic commanders is a matter of national security. Without this advocacy, the "brain drain" at the top of the service would likely be far more severe, leaving inexperienced commanders to manage critical incidents.
Section 9: Relationship
to NPCC
A common point of confusion is the relationship between CPOSA and the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC). They are distinct legal entities often staffed by the same people wearing different hats.
NPCC (The 'Business')
Focuses on coordinating national operations, setting APP (Authorized Professional Practice), and delivering policing to the public. It is funded by forces.
CPOSA (The 'Union')
Focuses on the employment rights, pay, insurance, and welfare of the individuals who run the NPCC. It is funded by the members themselves.
*Note: CPOSA uses "Union" colloquially here for comparison; legally, it is a Staff Association.
Section 10: Institutional
FAQ Library
What is the Chief Police Officers’ Staff Association (CPOSA)?
CPOSA is the professional staff association representing the chief officer ranks (Assistant Chief Constable, Deputy Chief Constable, and Chief Constable) in UK policing. It provides legal protection, governance advice, and welfare support to executive leaders who fall outside the remit of the Police Federation and Superintendents' Association.
Who represents Chief Constables in the UK?
Chief Constables are represented by CPOSA. Unlike lower ranks, they are not 'employees' but holders of a Crown appointment with unique legal liabilities. CPOSA ensures they have access to specialist legal counsel for public inquiries, misconduct allegations, and disputes with Police and Crime Commissioners.
Are Chief Officers in the Police Federation?
No. The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) strictly represents ranks from Constable to Chief Inspector. Superintendents and Chief Superintendents are represented by the PSA. All ranks above Chief Superintendent (ACC and above) are represented by CPOSA.
Is CPOSA a trade union?
No. CPOSA is a non-statutory staff association, not a trade union. Police officers in the UK are prohibited by law from striking or joining a trade union. CPOSA operates as a professional body to safeguard the interests of senior leaders rather than engaging in collective bargaining in the traditional sense.
Does CPOSA negotiate police pay?
CPOSA provides evidence to the Senior Salaries Review Body (SSRB) operational remit regarding chief officer pay, but it does not negotiate pay directly. Pay for chief officers is determined by the Home Secretary based on independent recommendations, distinct from the PRRB process used for federated ranks.
How are Chief Constables removed from office?
Chief Constables can be called upon to retire or resign by their Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) under Section 38 of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011. CPOSA provides critical legal and procedural advice during this complex statutory process to ensure due process is followed.
Who represents Assistant Chief Constables (ACCs)?
Assistant Chief Constables (and Commanders in the Met/City of London) are represented by CPOSA. As the first rank of 'Chief Officer', they transition from the Superintendents' Association to CPOSA, gaining access to the specific liability insurance required for executive command.
Is CPOSA part of the NPCC?
No. The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) is the coordination body for operational policing strategy. CPOSA is the separate staff association for the individuals who hold those ranks. The NPCC is about 'the work'; CPOSA is about 'the people' and their welfare/rights.
Does CPOSA provide legal support?
Yes. One of CPOSA's primary functions is administering the Legal Expenses Insurance (LEI) scheme for chief officers. This safeguards leaders against the high personal costs of defending themselves in criminal, misconduct, or civil proceedings arising from their operational command decisions.
Why do Chief Officers need representation?
Chief Officers face unique personal liabilities under Corporate Manslaughter laws and Health & Safety legislation. They also navigate intense political scrutiny from PCCs and the Home Office. Without independent representation, executive leaders would be vulnerable to politically motivated dismissal or undefended legal peril.
How do I join CPOSA?
Membership is open to all officers of Assistant Chief Constable rank and above (or equivalent senior police staff). Eligible executive leaders typically receive joining instructions upon their appointment. Membership is voluntary but highly recommended due to the critical personal liability protection it affords against criminal and solvent civil actions.
Section 11: Institutional
Interlinking & Resources
For a broader understanding of how executive representation fits into the wider policing landscape, we recommend comparing this guide with the Police Federation Explained and the Superintendents’ Association Guide.
To understand the rank structures that CPOSA governs, refer to our UK Police Rank Structure Guide.
The stability of chief officer tenure is a key metric in our Equity & Workforce Risk Hub. Frequent changes in leadership often correlate with poor performance in HMICFRS inspections and misconduct handling.