The Police Federation’s Welsh lead says a new national police survey is an ideal opportunity for members to shape wellbeing provision. 

Nicky Ryan has today urged members to complete the national police wellbeing survey and have their say on the support offered by forces. 

Nicky said: “The annual national police wellbeing survey is an important vehicle for members to influence police chiefs and shape support to meet their needs. 

“It’s carried out independently and allows members to make their voices heard – and I’d encourage as many as possible to do so. 

“The number of police officers, staff and volunteers taking part in the survey has grown each year. 

“We’re now in the fourth year of the survey and it’s playing a really important role in making police chiefs aware of issues facing members and in shaping wellbeing support to meet the needs of modern policing.” 

The survey was launched on 15 May and will run for seven weeks. 

It’s being led by Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service, and is run by the Policing Research Unit at Durham University with support from the College of Policing. 

The results will be assessed by police leaders for areas in which further improvements to wellbeing provision and support can be made. 

Andy Rhodes, service director for the National Police Wellbeing Service, also encouraged members to take part as he said the survey aimed to build on the “fantastic response rates” of previous years. 

He said: “We carry out this survey because it is critical that our work is focused on what those working in policing every day are telling us they need.  

“It is vital that we hear from as many people working in policing as possible so at both a national, and local level, we can prioritise the issues which matter the most, and design and develop the right interventions and support that policing needs. 

“Each year, we respond directly to the findings from the survey, creating practical support at both organisational and individual level. 

“In the past, we’ve done this in areas such as trauma, fatigue and physical fitness and so we want every member of the police service to feel reassured that it’s worthwhile taking part and that we will act upon the findings. 

“The results will also help shape and inform the work we do on behalf of the Police Covenant which sees us now extending our focus to better support not only officers, staff and volunteers, but their families too – and those who leave the service.” 

Andy Marsh, CEO of the college, said: “The national wellbeing survey is a crucial opportunity for us to hear directly from those on the frontline about how we can best support them to keep people safe. 

“The results of this survey can help identify the best ways for the college to assist colleagues who are working hard to keep our communities safe. Only by looking after our people can we help ensure they are able to look after the public and perform their critical roles.” 

The survey can be accessed by intranet across all forces.