Have your say in Oscar Kilo’s National Workforce and Wellbeing Survey

19 June 2026

West Mercia Police Federation is encouraging all members to take part in this year's National Workforce and Wellbeing Survey before it closes on 22 June.

The annual survey, held by Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service, gives officers the chance to share their experiences of working in policing.

By doing so, they can help shape future wellbeing support across the service.

This year's survey has been broadened to include a wider focus on workforce issues as well as wellbeing.

Federation branch chair Gareth Spreadbury said: "This is a chance for members to share their experiences of policing to help build a clearer picture of the issues they face and the support needed.

West Mercia Police Federation chair Sergeant Gareth Spreadbury

"The more officers that take part, the stronger the evidence base becomes and the harder it is for decision-makers to ignore the realities facing the workforce.

"I would encourage as many members as possible to take a few minutes to complete the survey before it closes.

"It's vital that the voices of West Mercia Police officers are heard.

Make your voice heard

"I appreciate many people may be thinking ‘this is just another survey’ and I know that apathy can set in when change isn't quick, but change can only happen when voices are heard. 

“It's important to keep using your voice so that silence isn't relied upon to paint a picture that isn't reflective of what's really going on. We can only drive change forward together."

Last year's survey attracted more than 40,000 responses, making it one of the largest workforce surveys ever conducted in UK policing.

The 2025 results revealed:

• 45 per cent of respondents reported often feeling burnt out.

• 55 per cent experienced persistent physical fatigue.

• 60 per cent said they found it difficult to take enough breaks.

• One in three respondents reported experiencing a physical assault in the previous year.

• 58 per cent of those who had experienced discrimination said they had not reported it.

However, the survey also highlighted positive aspects of policing, with:

• 80 per cent saying their team pulls together to get the job done.

• 81 per cent feeling trusted to do their job.

• 89 per cent expressing confidence in their skills, knowledge and experience.

• 67 per cent saying they remain proud of the work they do.

• 67 per cent know how to access health and wellbeing support should they need it.

Real action

Andy Rhodes, Oscar Kilo service director, said: "Last year, more than 40,000 people across policing took the time to tell us what the job really feels like. That mattered - and it has already led to real action.

"The findings have helped shape national wellbeing work, informed reform discussions, and supported deeper work on issues like psychological safety, fatigue and the drivers of wellbeing.

"This year's survey builds on that progress. The new name - the National Police Workforce and Wellbeing Survey - reflects something important: wellbeing does not sit on its own. It is shaped by workload, leadership, team culture and the way organisations support their people day to day."

READ MORE: New branch chair 'privileged' to work for members.