Wellbeing survey: ‘Results show need for investment in policing’

18 August 2025

One in three officers who took part in the National Police Wellbeing Survey reported that they had experienced a physical assault in the last year.

And more than half (55 per cent) said they experience persistent physical fatigue.

Equally concerning were the results for questions on mental health with almost half (45 per cent) of respondents saying they often felt burnt out with those in high-risk roles such as response, CID and public protection, showing higher levels of emotional exhaustion and lower wellbeing.

The survey was carried out by Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service, and received responses from 40,000 people from 33 forces.

Andy Rhodes, Oscar Kilo service director, said: “First of all, as always, I want to thank every single person who took the time to complete the survey. Your honesty matters. This is a vital moment for policing to listen, understand and act. We now have the clearest picture yet of where the service is – and what needs to change.

“Wellbeing isn’t just ‘nice to have’, it’s critical for you, your family, your team, and the public you serve. This is about us all working together to create a culture where everyone feels valued, supported, and able to thrive.”

Challenges

Despite the key findings and the identified challenges that need to be addressed, there were strengths to build on:

80 per cent of respondents said their team pulls together to get the job done
81 per cent feel trusted to do their job
89 per cent feel confident in their knowledge, skills and experience to do their job
67 per cent continue to feel proud of the work they do
65 per cent identified their line manager as their most trusted support pathway, and
67 per cent know how to access health and wellbeing support should they need it.

Tim Rogers, secretary of West Midlands Police Federation, says that many of the positive findings simply demonstrate officers ‘can do’ approach to policing and their commitment to serving their communities.

“I am not at all surprised that those taking part said their team pulls together to get the job done; that is what policing is all about,” says Tim, “Neither does it come as a shock that two thirds of them feel proud of what they do.

Crime

“Policing is more than a job; it’s a vocation. Officers thrive on working with their colleagues to respond to calls for assistance from the public, to fight and prevent crime, to keep people safe and to protect the vulnerable. They want to make a difference.

“The fact that they continue to do all they can to get the job done is all about their ability to overcome the challenges they face. There has been a chronic underinvestment in policing over the last decade and yet day in, day out, police officers are giving their all to try to maintain a high-quality service for the public.

“But sadly, as this survey shows, that is taking its toll on their own physical and mental health and that cannot be allowed to continue.

“It’s time for actions, not words. Police leaders must act on the findings of this survey and ensure that they do more to protect the most important asset in the police service – its people.”

Oscar Kilo has set out to use the results of the survey to influence work locally and nationally in terms of the police reform agenda, the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) Workforce Strategy and the delivery of the Police Covenant.

It will target work in key areas:

Continuing its investment in mental health and suicide prevention, including the new national Mental Health Crisis Line, plus work with forces on self-assessing against the national suicide action plan
Launching the ResetU app this autumn to address fatigue, sleep, and recovery, alongside national fatigue risk management training
Scaling up the national trauma support model, including tools for high-risk roles and early intervention systems
Peer debriefing and supervisor support courses and support for robust peer support models
Providing national guidance and leadership support through the National Police Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Workforce Prioritisation Guidance.
Strengthening the OK Family Life Toolkit, which provides direct support to officers, staff and their families.