Officers urged to have their say in Pay and Morale Survey

7 October 2024

Colleagues have until the end of this month to complete the PFEW Pay and Morale Survey – designed to gauge how officers feel on issues including pay, allowances, morale, mental health, wellbeing, demand, rest days and professional development.

The PFEW uses the results of the survey to inform its conversations on police pay, as it bids to gain fairer remuneration and working conditions for police officers.

Andy Symonds, Chair of Norfolk Police Federation, said: “Surveys come around all the time… and I know many colleagues feel ‘what’s the point, nothing changes’.

“What I say in response is that this survey is our opportunity to formally record our views and opinions on a range of matters under one survey. It’s the only pulse check on the morale of officers that policing stakeholders get.

“The Pay Review Body does read it and reference it in their reports. So although we may feel nothing changes it’s a vital reference point to revert to when stakeholders are looking at pay, morale and conditions of service. I use it locally when I meet with the Chief, PCC and local MP’s, it’s a useful tool for me to have in my back pocket when speaking with these stakeholders.

“I encourage our members to find the time on shift which I know is almost impossible these days, but maybe on that night shift when you need to think about something else while sat at the computer doing crime work to spend a bit of time completing the pay and morale survey.”

This year, there are three additional topical questions:

• What unique aspects of policing should be considered when police pay is being reviewed?
• Given the recent unrest across the UK, how safe and supported did you feel whilst on duty?
• Does social media have an impact on the way you are able to perform your role?

Nationally, the 2023 survey showed that 85% of officers felt they were not paid fairly given the hazards of the job, and 78% were not satisfied with their overall remuneration.

And 82% said they had experienced feelings of stress, low mood, anxiety or other problems with their mental health and wellbeing over the previous 12 months, with 82% citing poor treatment by the Government as a contributory factor.

In addition, 22% said they intended to resign from the service in the next two years, with contributing factors being low morale (85%), poor Government treatment (78%), and mental health and wellbeing (73%).