Uniform survey: have your say on the kit you wear

4 July 2024

The Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW) has launched a new survey to find out officers’ views on their uniform, and members in Nottinghamshire are encouraged to take part.

PFEW is working with researchers at Lancaster University on a National Police Uniform and Equipment Survey.

The survey will explore a range of issues including whether the uniform is comfortable, whether it affects officers’ health to how it makes them feel.

Branch chair Simon Riley said: “This is the first survey of its kind in which Federation members across the country are being asked for their views on officer uniform.

“Uniform is a central part of being a police officer and it’s important that it’s functioning and fit for purpose.

Poorly fitting

“Poorly fitting uniform can impact on an officer’s health and could even compromise their safety.

“We want to ensure that any issues there are around uniform are highlighted, whether it’s good, bad or otherwise, so we can ensure future decisions are fully informed.

“Please take the time to have your say.”

The survey is now live and closes on 12 August.   

It has had input from the National Police Chiefs’ Council, the Police Superintendents’ Association, UNISON and the Home Office.

Zac Mader, the Federation’s Welsh co-lead, is leading on the project with fellow National Board member and PFEW wellbeing lead Belinda Goodwin.

Zac called for as many members as possible to complete the survey.

He said: “This is the first opportunity our members have had to tell us and the police service how they feel about their uniform.

Equipment

“Every day, in every station, there’s likely to be a conversation about uniform, whether it’s good, bad or indifferent.

“Our survey focuses on issues around uniform and interoperability with equipment and PPE.

“Is the uniform fit for purpose? How does it make people feel wearing it? Does it make you feel proud to be a police officer?

“This is a great opportunity for our members to have their say on what they think about their uniform and what they want from it, and we’d encourage as many as possible to complete it.

“We’ll use the results to give decision makers evidence of what our members want so that meaningful changes are made to the uniform and uniform policies.”

Zac said he hoped the work would improve the quality of uniforms, and even save Forces money in the long run.

Standards

“It appears to be a postcode lottery at the moment,” he said.

“There isn’t one route to buying uniform, which means potentially different standards of uniform across the service.

“We want consistency with police uniform, with the highest minimum standards and to get rid of the postcode lottery.

“We want a uniform that is environmentally friendly and that has been ethically sourced.

“And we believe that there are future opportunities with procurement of uniform and buying power."

The link to the survey has been sent to members' inboxes. If you have any queries, please contact impactofuniform@gmail.com or the PFEW research team on researchanddatacollection@polfed.org

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