Policing minister: ‘It is only right that we protect you’

16 February 2026

Policing minister Sarah Jones.

The policing minister has told Parliament those working in policing should be in no doubt the Government is on their side and will support them.

Presenting the Police Covenant annual report to MPs, she told the police workforce: “You do so much to protect us, it is only right that we protect you.”

The minister explained: “As the covenant moves into a new phase under a new Government, we have reassessed the priorities for delivery to ensure the work is better focussed on the needs of the workforce, and to reflect the evolving realities of policing.

“This means that, as the covenant progresses further, there will be a greater emphasis on supporting forces to enact consistent policies and systems, setting a minimum standard of provision, and a renewed focus on how the actions taken address specific identified disadvantages.”

Jess Davies, chair of West Midlands Police Federation, welcomed Ms Jones’ comments but said that it was critically important that the Government backed up its words with action which would mean sustained investment in the police service so it could deliver an effective service for the public while also ensuring the wellbeing of the police workforce.

“It is simply not enough for ministers to talk about the wellbeing of police officers and staff; they must deliver the investment needed to ensure the wellbeing of police officers and staff is brought to the fore in all forces,” said Jess.

“The Federation has established a link between  police officer and staff suicide and the police conduct regime so this is one area that the Government needs to prioritise.

“Currently, forces do not even have to record suicide or attempted suicide among their workforce and we want legislation to change this situation. Amendments to the Police and Crime Bill, currently going through Parliament, would have delivered this but sadly these have stalled.

“The Report Stage of the bill will begin in the coming weeks and the amendments could be re-tabled then allowing members of the House of Lords to vote.”

The Police Covenant annual report was laid before Parliament on Wednesday (11 February) and is available at gov.uk. It aims to highlight the progress made so far and also show how the covenant can improve police health and wellbeing in the future.

Progress cited so far includes:

• The appointment of a chief medical officer for policing to ensure greater cohesion between the work of the covenant and the work of the NHS
• The launch of police awareness training for GPs
• The creation of a new National Health and Wellbeing Strategy to ensure, for the first time, a coherent and comprehensive approach is adopted by forces
• The improvement of monitoring and addressing of assaults against officers and staff, and in the handling of fatigue
• The launch of occupational health (OH) standards
• The introduction of the Elizabeth Emblem as recognition of fallen officers’ sacrifice and commitment to policing.

The police minister conceded, however, that more work is still needed.

In welcoming progress, Ms Jones said: “Yet, there is still much to do if we are to live up to the promise within the covenant, to ensure that the police and their families suffer no disadvantage because of their work in policing.”

The Police Covenant was established in 2022 and is a commitment by the Government to recognise the service and sacrifice of those working in policing in England and Wales.

It aims to ensure  current and former police officers, staff, and their families are supported and treated with fairness and respect.

The covenant focuses on three key areas: health and wellbeing, physical protection, and support for families. It is intended to improve outcomes for the policing workforce, acknowledging the unique pressures and risks associated with their roles.