Fed members urged to take part in Oscar Kilo survey

18 May 2023

West Mercia Police Federation chair Barry Horton is calling on members to take part in a survey which could help shape wellbeing support services across the Force.

The annual survey, which is now in its fourth year, is led by the National Police Wellbeing Service Oscar Kilo and run by the Policing Research Unit at Durham University with support from the College of Policing.

It went live in police forces across the UK this week and will remain open for around seven weeks.

Andy Rhodes, service director for the National Police Wellbeing Service, 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.

“We have had fantastic response rates to previous surveys, and we want to build on that again this year.

“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 and 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.”

Barry said: “This survey is very important because its finding could help make improvements to the wellbeing services available to our members.

“We do a difficult, stressful job and it is vital that police officers can easily access the support provided by organisations such as Oscar Kilo.

“I would encourage all our members to complete the survey because we never know when we might need some extra support.”

Chief Constable Andy Marsh, CEO of the College of Policing, 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.”