Fed members urged to take part in Oscar Kilo survey

18 May 2023

Hertfordshire Police Federation members are being urged to give their views on the services provided by the National Police Wellbeing Service, Oscar Kilo, in a new survey.

The annual survey, which is now in its fourth year, gives everyone working in policing an opportunity to have their say on the current state of wellbeing provision and support offered by forces, so police leaders can assess where further improvements can be made.

The survey is led by Oscar Kilo and run by the Policing Research Unit at Durham University with support from the College of Policing.

It went live in police forces across the UK this week and will remain open for around seven weeks.

Andy Rhodes, service director for the National Police Wellbeing Service, said:

“We carry out this survey because it is critical that our work is focused on what those working in policing every day are telling us they need. 

“We have had fantastic response rates to previous surveys, and we want to build on that again this year.

“It is vital that we hear from as many people working in policing as possible so at both a national, and local level, we can prioritise the issues which matter the most, and design and develop the right interventions and support that policing needs.

“Each year, we respond directly to the findings from the survey, creating practical support at both and organisational and individual level.

“In the past, we’ve done this in areas such as trauma, fatigue and physical fitness and so we want every member of the police service to feel reassured that it’s worthwhile taking part and that we will act upon the findings.

“The results will also help shape and inform the work we do on behalf of the Police Covenant which sees us now extending our focus to better support not only officers, staff and volunteers, but their families too – and those who leave the service.”

Hertfordshire Police Federation chair Luke Mitchell said: “We are incredibly grateful for the work Oscar Kilo does so it is important that our members help it develop its services by taking part in this survey.

“We never know when we might need its help and that’s why I would encourage all members to put aside a few minutes to give their feedback.”

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, CEO of the College of Policing, said: “The National Wellbeing survey is a crucial opportunity for us to hear directly from those on the frontline about how we can best support them to keep people safe.

“The results of this survey can help identify the best ways for the College to assist colleagues who are working hard to keep our communities safe. Only by looking after our people can we help ensure they are able to look after the public and perform their critical roles.”