Our online seminar will bring together key stakeholders to address the current challenges, priorities, and developments facing detectives across policing.

Update from the Police Federation National Detectives’ Forum (PFNDF)
We'll have an update from the PFNDF on its ongoing work to champion the interests of detectives across England and Wales. The update will cover national efforts to improve professional recognition, career progression, and address workforce resilience.

Loan Sharks and Illegal Money Lending
A dedicated session will explore the threat posed by loan sharks and illegal money lending operations, particularly in vulnerable communities. Discussion will highlight links to wider criminal activity, the impact on victims, and partnership approaches to tackling this form of exploitation.

Demands on Detectives
There will be an in-depth discussion on the growing pressures faced by detectives, including rising caseloads, complexity of investigations, and the digital evidence burden.

National Wellbeing Initiatives
The seminar will provide an update on national wellbeing programmes and initiatives focused on detective welfare. This will include insights into available resources, psychological safety, and the importance of leadership in fostering a supportive working culture.

Insight into a Live NCA Investigation
A representative from the National Crime Agency (NCA) will share insight into a live or recent major investigation, illustrating the scale of contemporary organised crime threats and the critical role detectives play in national intelligence and enforcement efforts.

The seminar will conclude with reflections on key themes and a reaffirmation of the collective commitment to support, develop, and protect the detective workforce. Attendees will be encouraged to take forward practical learning, share best practice, and contribute to ongoing national conversations.

Speakers

Photo of Ben Hudson, PFEW National Detectives' Forum Chair

Ben Hudson

National Detectives' Forum Chair - PFEW

Mel Warnes

Acting Deputy National Secretary - PFEW

Martin Brunning

Assistant Chief Constable - Cambridge Constabulary

Sarah-Jayne Bray

Programme Manager - NPCC Recruitment, Retention and Wellbeing of Investigator Portfolio

Cath Wohlers

Operations Manager -Illegal Money Lending Team

10:00

Welcome

Welcome and Police Federation National Detective Forum (PFNDF) update, including the 2025 national awards.

Mel Warnes
Ben Hudson

10:30

Loan Sharks

Cath Wohlers

11:15

Comfort break

11:30

Demands on modern detectives

Former Scotland Yard detective and now Professor at Liverpool John Moores University, Adrian James shares findings from recent research into the realities and challenges faced by today’s investigators across five UK police forces.

Adrian James

12:15

Lunch break

12:45

National Detectives Wellbeing and Demand

Sarah-Jayne Bray
Martin Brunning

13:30

NCA Investigation

Rob Jones

14:30

Summary and close

Mel Warnes
Ben Hudson

Our detectives' seminar is free to attend for police officers, police staff, and academics. To register - use the link below.

Register here. Please use a police or polfed email address

For sponsorship opportunities, email sponsorship@polfed.org