NARPO HQ are members of DRUK and we receive very useful information and free guidance books in relation to DWP benefits and other associated matters from them including opportunities to attend training/seminars on a wide range of subjects which would potentially be of interest and more importantly useful to a large number of our members and in particular Branch Welfare Officers and Officials. Membership also gives access to dedicated Welfare Benefits advice telephone help lines.

I have recently made enquiries with DRUK in relation to the extent of our membership with them and in particular the status of our Branches in relation to receiving their regular updates, discounted training/seminars and handbooks. Unfortunately they inform me that the membership covers NARPO centrally only and not Branches.

There is however the opportunity for Branches to become affiliate members of DRUK at a reduced cost of £50 per annum, which would give Branches access to the same information that we can access at the Centre.

We will obviously continue to keep Branches and members aware of important developments around Welfare Benefits and matters affecting our members via emails and the website, but Branches may wish to consider joining DRUK as an affiliate direct giving them access to the free services and discounted rates.

I have attached a brief overview of membership benefits and a link to their extremely useful website below:

http://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/

Regards

Steve Edwards

Deputy Chief Executive

National Association of Retired Police Officers

38 Bond Street, Wakefield, WF1 2QP - 01924 331251