Members encouraged to complete PFEW’s Pay and Morale Survey 2024

20 September 2024

The launch of this year’s survey was announced on Monday 16 September and is set to gauge how police officers feel on topics including pay, mental health and annual leave.

Other questions will ask participants about both personal and Force-wide morale.

Federation chair Rob Bowles has encouraged members to complete the survey, explaining that findings are important in informing decisions and action from the Force and the Government at both national and local levels.

Rob recently revealed he went through last year’s Pay and Morale Survey when he met with Skipton and Ripon MP Sir Julian Smith to discuss the current challenges facing frontline policing.

Research

“I made it clear to Mr Smith that the survey’s findings were the result of years of poor treatment of police officers. The survey provided that rock-hard evidence, straight from the officers themselves that they are suffering from having pay and conditions constantly stifled and stripped back,” he said.

“It is comprehensive, accurate and consistent, meaning it acts as very reliable research. We always want an up-to-date picture of exactly how members are feeling on many different issues – ultimately, we want to know how happy they are in their jobs.”

“I would really urge our members to complete the survey, for the purpose of the national picture but also so we can see where we’re at as a regional force.”

In the 10th year of its annual distribution, this year’s survey will contain three additional questions to previous editions, the PFEW have confirmed:

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?

North Yorkshire Police accounted for 260 responses to last year’s survey, with 96 per cent of these saying they did not feel respected by the Government. This was greater than the figure of 94 per cent across England and Wales.

Rob continued: “This is why it’s important I engage with Members of Parliament and tell them exactly how our members feel.

“These numbers from last year are very concerning and something clearly needs to change. I await this year’s findings to see if things can start being steered in a better direction, with the Government having changed hands for the first time in 14 years.”

Low morale

58 per cent of respondents from North Yorkshire Police told the 2023 survey their personal morale was ‘low’ or ‘very low’ – equalling the national average.

In terms of pay, 90 per cent of North Yorkshire respondents confirmed they did not feel fairly paid for the stresses and strains of their job, while 82 per cent said they did not feel fairly paid for hazards faced.

“It is clear that the police officers of our county deserve better, and although the onus is on organisations to make that happen, Federation members as individuals need to do what we can to maximise the chances of it. We need to make ourselves heard,” Rob added.

“I think members should take the opportunity to share their true, honest thoughts, whether they are positive or negative.”

Full details on how to take part in the survey, which closes on Monday 28 October, has been emailed to members.

If you have not received the link, please contact the Federation office.