PW-2-2026

Keeping you informed

Keeping you informed As ever, it has been a remarkably busy few months since your last copy of Police World. Unfortunately, as we still have to manage our finances extremely carefully, the remaining 2026 editions of Police World are likely to be electronic. You will have received a member briefing though, by now, outlining how the budget for 2026 has been allocated.

W e have tried extremely hard indeed to ensure that member activities are still supported whilst being ever mindful of the challenges we continue to face. The establishment of the Finance, Audit and Review Committee will help to ensure that you are properly and independently briefed about work done and progress being made by the National Executive Committee (NEC) concerning the Section UK finances. I was delighted to be told that Section UK had been chosen again as a beneficiary of HRH Princess Anne’s patronage. This time for a period of three years, concluding on 31st December 2029. After the huge disappointment that we could not take advantage of this last year for our 75th Anniversary, I really want to try and make the most of this unexpected opportunity. To that end, I welcome suggestions through the Strategic Sub-Committee where events might be taking place that are suitable for our Patron to attend. Please make sure plenty of notice is given as her diary is planned a long way in advance as you would expect. I was also thrilled to be asked to nominate two people for a Buckingham Palace event hosted by Her Royal Highness in May. More of that in the next edition. At the end of January, Kyra and I threw caution to the wind, donned our dancing shoes, and joined those gathering in Aberdeen for the 2026 Region 1 Ceilidh. And what a hoot it was. Apart from the superb whisky / gin tasting (again hosted by Robertson’s of Pitlochry), there was a visit to Peterhead Prison, a guided tour around Aberdeen, and the Ceilidh itself – which was superb. Beginners and experienced dancers alike just enjoying the music and the opportunity to try something so unique. International President Martin Hoffmann was there with his wife Angela and two lovely friends, bringing some Austrian tradition in the form of lederhosen and beautiful dirndls, to the otherwise tartan clad proceedings. Well done to the organizing team led by Jordan Blythe. Next year it will be held in Dundee, and details can be obtained through the Region 1 committee. It was lovely to see Martin again the following weekend as he visited London with his son to support his beloved Arsenal FC. Thankfully, they won, so the meal shared with members of London Met Branch was a celebratory one. Between the 19-22 February, I attended the IEB 7-Regions Europe West Meeting in San Marino. As you will be aware, we are in this group with Switzerland, San Marino, Malta, Gibraltar, Luxembourg, Belgium, France,

San Morino

Italy, The Netherlands, and Monaco. Our IEB link is International Vice President Oli Hoffmann. These meetings are always about relationship building, but this time it had a particularly clear agenda – to discuss the key questions to be debated at the upcoming Convention of the Statutes (March, Lisbon). All the regional groups were having the same discussions so that everyone’s voice would be heard at the Convention of the Statutes in Lisbon. Fundamental questions about how the IPA sees as its core values in an ever-changing socio-political landscape. It was also a chance for Section San Marino to showcase the work it is doing to IPA friends, but importantly, to the government framework in which it operates. So, to be invited to a private audience with the Heads of State of San Marino, Their Excellencies, the Captain’s Regent, was really quite something, not just for President Rene Rosti (IPA San Marino) but for all of us present. As Project Lead for SHEisIPA, I attended the Professional Commission meeting held in Padua, Italy between 5-9 March. Originally planned to be held in London, it was changed by Chair Diego Trolese due to the Italian National Congress and elections. Again, this meeting brings together the project leads for the Arthur Troop Scholarship, the Education Project, SHEisIPA and the Young Members Project. As Section UK strives to develop opportunities for, and the network of, our young members, it was really good to be able to discuss those opportunities with those leading on them (YPOS, Strategic Young Members Conference, IBZ Gimborn events etc). Partnership working at its best in Italy.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 71 No.2, 2026