Use of PPE – nationwide survey

14 September 2020

Hertfordshire Police Federation chair Geoff Bardell is urging members to take part in a new study to help ‘complete the picture’ about the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic.

Officers and staff across the country are being encouraged to contribute to a survey by Cardiff University and Operation Talla, the service’s response to Covid-19.

The survey, which is supported by the National Police Chiefs’ Council, aims to help build an understanding of the benefits of using PPE, potential barriers and why some personnel have not been using it as much as they did in the early stages of the pandemic.

“We’re living through extraordinary times,” Geoff said, “Covid-19 has had such a huge impact on society and on the way that we carry out our work.

“The use of PPE for officers and staff, and the way it’s procured and distributed are examples of the many challenges we’ve faced. Now is the time to learn the lessons from the last six months so we can continue to develop best practice going forward – and that’s where our members can play a big part.

“I’d encourage as many members as possible to complete this survey so that we can build as complete a picture as possible to help the police service understand your thoughts on the use of PPE during the pandemic, how it has helped and what can be done better in the future.”

The survey aims to help the service develop a broad evidence base from which to procure PPE, to improve communications and to provide a scientific basis for its use.

It should take 20 to 25 minutes to complete and closes on Sunday (20 September). The survey is anonymous and is designed for officers and staff who may have some need to use PPE in their current role.

Complete the survey.