Worrying Results Of Wellbeing Survey Are "No Surprise"

3 September 2025

Worrying Results Of Wellbeing Survey Are "No Surprise"

More needs to be done to support officers’ mental health following stark figures from a recent wellbeing survey.

The National Police Wellbeing Survey found that 67% of officers reported physical exhaustion, while 58% said they were mentally exhausted last month.

The results come as “no surprise” according to Andy Spence, Leicestershire Police Federation Chair said.

“Police officers deal with around 400 traumatic incidents over the course of their career. But where do they go for rest, recuperation, and help?” he asked.

Andy called for occupational health units within police forces to be better equipped and better resourced. “We need occupational units that specialise in trauma. If they can’t provide that support internally, then they should refer officers to specialist third-party counselling services without delay.

“If an officer turned up to work with a broken arm, we’d send them home. So why do we expect them to keep going with a broken mind? Why are we pushing them all the time?”

The survey showed 29% of officers and staff say they intend to leave policing within the next year. Poor work/life balance, pay and weak leadership cited as the most common reasons.

One in three officers/staff report being stressed with their financial situation. More than half of officers and staff say their forces are not committed to helping them balance work and home life.

Andy stressed the need for a cultural shift as well as financial investment. “Officers have a ‘can do’ attitude. They tape the wheel back on and keep going. But in doing so, they often make things worse for themselves.”

And he emphasised that recovery time is essential after traumatic incidents and must be formally recognised. “We cannot expect an officer to deal with a fatal incident one day and go back to another the next. The mind needs time to rest.”

The survey also showed nationally 68% of officers say they face unrealistic time pressures. 73% of officers find it difficult to take their rest breaks.

Only 27% of Constables feel they will be supported by their forces if they make a genuine mistake. 30% of Sergeants.