Pay and Morale Survey 2024 now open for Fed members

19 September 2024

Nottinghamshire Police Federation chair Simon Riley has urged members to have their say by taking part in the latest Pay and Morale Survey 2024.

Launched by the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) on Monday 16 September, the survey is one of the largest means of research into the views of police officers.

This year marks a decade since its annual distribution began, with questions shaped around the likes of remuneration and pensions, wellbeing and annual leave.

The Federation will then use findings from the survey in its dialogue with the Police Force about how to move forward for the benefit of its officers and staff.

Simon said: “The findings of this survey support our calls for change as a Federation - not only nationally but locally when we meet with the Force's senior officers.

Pay settlement

“We all know that there is a lot of work to be done to reverse things that aren’t where they need to be, such as retention. The findings of this year’s survey will help us get a better picture of where we’re at as a regional force, now we have at least reached a pay settlement.

“I seriously urge Federation members to complete the survey and really put their perspective across on police life. Now that at least something has shifted in terms of pay, this is one of the earliest opportunities you will have to use your voice on it – even if you think it has still left a lot to be desired."

For this year’s survey, PFEW have confirmed three additional questions to previous editions will be contained:

• 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?

Nottinghamshire Police provided 435 responses to the 2023 survey, with 45 per cent of respondents reporting their personal morale to be ‘low’ or ‘very low’ – the smallest figure across forces in England and Wales, and considerably lower than the national average of 58 per cent.

However, findings from Nottinghamshire respondents relating to financial concern were much more consistent with national figures, with 90 per cent saying their cost of living had increased over the month prior to completing the survey, compared to 91 per cent nationally.

89 per cent of Nottinghamshire respondents also believed they were not paid fairly for the stresses and strains of their job. Nationally, this proportion was 92 per cent.

Research

“While it was encouraging to see us rank well across forces for morale last year, suggesting individual morale is comparatively higher than in other forces, the raw numbers are still there. It was still almost half of our respondents who were saying they don’t feel content in their jobs,” Simon added.

“I really want to see as many Nottinghamshire Police Federation members taking part as possible and better our previous response rate of 18 per cent.

“The findings can really make a difference to our knowledge of where things need to be worked on the most, to make things better for you.”

In addition to having an influence on decision-making within the Force, the survey can also inform government policy and academic research into policing.

The survey closes on Monday 28 October.

Members should have received a link to the survey via email. If they have not, then they are advised to contact the Nottinghamshire Police Federation office.

READ MORE: Increasing number of officers signed off with poor mental health.