Oscar Kilo wellbeing survey results ‘shameful’ says Fed chair

28 February 2024

Results from the recent national police wellbeing survey have firmly established wellbeing to be a major issue across the police workforce, results which Nottinghamshire Police Federation chair Simon Riley says are ‘shameful’.

Research findings of the fourth annual national police wellbeing survey, which has been developed by the National Police Wellbeing Service, Oscar Kilo and Durham University acknowledges the high levels of motivation that members of the policing workforce have to serve the public, despite their sense of being valued declining.

Workloads are high and, while findings reveal cops consider their work meaningful, the intention to quit has increased to the highest average level since 2019/20 for police officers.

Simon continued: “The fact that officers remain motivated and proud to serve the public is testimony to their resolve and strength of character.

“These survey findings demonstrate just how bad things are with wellbeing clearly held in low regard. For the risks officers take every day, the respective support does not exist.”

Nottinghamshire Police Federation chair Simon Riley says results are ‘shameful’.

Other findings include high levels of burnout, with 69 per cent of police officers reporting high levels of fatigue.

Officers reported anxiety, not being able to recover from stressful incidents, the negative impact of working shifts, difficulty recovering from high work demands through impaired rest days and poor-quality sleep, and difficulty ‘switching off’ outside of working hours.
Simon continued: “Why should officers give their all to the job and feel like second-class citizens?

“We need something tangible to come from these results – not platitudes but action that turns the tide, lifts morale and invests in welfare for the long term.”

The summary of research findings will be used to evidence the development of the work of the National Police Wellbeing Service and College of Policing.

In addition, there is an expectation that forces will also address the key themes locally as they continue to develop the role of their local wellbeing officer. For full results visit the Oscar Kilo website.

READ MORE: Chair hopes new Code of Ethics can restore trust in policing.