Have your say on wellbeing in Oscar Kilo survey

2 June 2026

Federation members are being urged to take part in a nationwide police workforce and wellbeing survey.

The survey, which is carried out annually by Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service, was launched today and will close on 22 June.

“Last year 40,000 people from 33 forces took part in the survey, providing a valuable snapshot of wellbeing across the police service and showing the pressures that people are facing,” says Jess Davies, chair of West Midlands Police Federation.

“But the report from the survey would be even more powerful if more police officers, police staff and Specials take part this year.

“The results from this year’s survey will be compared with the findings from 2025 and will give an insight into whether there have been any improvements.”

In last year’s survey:

• Almost half (45 per cent) of respondents reported often feeling burnt out
• More than half (55 per cent) said they experience persistent physical fatigue
• One in three reported experiencing a physical assault in the past year
• Officers working in high-risk roles (e.g. response, CID, public protection) showed higher levels of emotional exhaustion and lower wellbeing
• 58 per cent of those who had experienced discrimination didn’t report it
• 60 per cent found it difficult to take enough breaks.

But it also identified some strengths:

• Four out of five (80 per cent) of respondents said their team pulls together to get the job done
• Slightly more (81 per cent) felt trusted to do their job
• Almost nine out of ten (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
• 67 per cent know how to access health and wellbeing support should they need it.

The findings helped shape work on problem issues including sleep, fatigue and recovery, informed wider discussions on policing reform, and led to deeper analysis of cultural issues such as psychological safety. 

There has been targeted work in key areas with the National Police Wellbeing Survey already providing programmes, tools, and support that directly tackle some of the challenges raised:

• 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.

But there is more to do, and Oscar Kilo is committed to continuing this work alongside the College of Policing and the National Police Chiefs’ Council.

The survey explores workforce experience, including workload and demand, leadership and culture, team environment, organisational support and personal wellbeing. 

Following input directly from forces, the survey has been renamed this year to reflect a much broader focus on workforce experience, and the question set has also been improved. 

And, for the first time, officers and staff whose forces are not participating in or promoting the survey locally, can participate independently through the Oscar Kilo website, helping to ensure as many voices as possible contribute to the overall national picture. 

Andy Rhodes, service director of the National Police Wellbeing Service, said: “Last year, over 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.”

Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, chief executive officer of the College of Policing, added: “Policing is a job like no other. We ask a great deal of our people who do it, often in demanding, unpredictable and deeply challenging circumstances. 

“This is why must listen carefully to those on the frontline. This survey gives officers and staff the opportunity to speak honestly about their experiences of working in policing and helps leaders better understand what support colleagues need to do their best work. 

“The stronger our understanding, the better placed we are to shape workplaces which are healthier, more supportive and more effective.” 

The National Police Workforce and Wellbeing Survey 2026 is mobile-friendly and can be completed on any device. Further information is available on the intranet communications and on the Oscar Kilo website.