Please see below a list of frequently asked questions about the national police wellbeing survey. If you have a question that's not answered here, get in touch with us.
What is this survey for?
This survey is conducted to provide a detailed understanding of the current state of wellbeing within policing and identify how we can improve it. It’s not just about ticking boxes; it’s about hearing from the people doing the job every day. Your input will help us to create a more supportive workplace where everyone feels physically and mentally prepared for the demands of policing.
It is vital that we hear from as many people working in policing as possible so we can prioritise key issues and develop the right support and interventions at both national and local levels.
Who can complete the survey?
The survey is open to all officers, staff, volunteers, and specials within all UK police forces and national law enforcement bodies.
All ranks and roles - all voices. This survey is for everyone in policing – police officers, PCSOs, staff, call handlers, volunteers, new recruits, and senior leaders alike should take part. We need diverse views, so the results represent all roles and backgrounds. Everyone’s experience and perspective matters.
How do I complete the survey?
The survey is open for all personnel within your force to complete electronically. It will be available via a link on your local force intranet or you will receive it via email. It will also be available to access via scan QR codes on promotional material that you will see around your force.
It can be completed using a desktop, laptop, mobile, and/or tablet to provide more flexibility to fit around your busy lives. It can be completed in work time or in your own time.
How long does it take to complete the survey?
The survey is designed to take approximately 10 minutes to complete. We appreciate how valuable your time is, so we have streamlined the questions to be as concise as possible. However, we also acknowledge that it may take a little longer for some participants.
What’s the point in completing this survey, nothing changes?
We understand that you may feel sceptical about the impact of these surveys. However, we want to reassure you that your feedback truly matters and leads to real change. In response to previous surveys, Oscar Kilo launched new, bespoke training and provided support around sleep, fatigue and recovery. These initiatives are direct results of the feedback we received from you.
These surveys are a fantastic opportunity to be able to assess the state of wellbeing across UK policing and whether staff feel valued and heard. By sharing your experiences and insights, you contribute to creating a better, more supportive workplace for everyone.
Is this different to the previous surveys?
Yes, this year’s survey is different. We are collaborating with Leapwise, a specialist policing consultancy, to provide a shorter, more agile survey. This new format will help us capture and hear your feedback in a more concise way.
We’ve spent several months consulting with officers, staff, Occupational Health and HR leads, wellbeing specialists in forces, staff associations and unions, Chief Officer teams to ensure that we have a survey that will effectively address challenges within policing.
The new format also means we’ll be able to get local and national results back earlier, so you can see the real picture in your force and nationally, and we can take action on key challenges in quicker time.
Is it really anonymous?
Yes, all responses will be completely confidential and protected. We understand that being open and honest in a survey like this requires trust, so we want to explain what you can expect.
The survey is being managed by Leapwise, an independent organisation who will carry out the survey design, data collection, analysis and reporting.
You will not be asked for your name, collar number or any directly identifying details. Your force will not see who said what. If any data could identify you, Leapwise will not share it with forces or other policing organisations. Leapwise will group data and only share it when there are at least 30 responses in a group, ensuring individuals cannot be identified.
By sharing your views and background information, you will help us understand your concerns, and whether there are any specific needs for different groups within policing - which will directly inform and prioritise our support resources. Protecting your identity while identifying key areas for improvement is a top priority.
I’ve been seconded to a new project / team, should I complete the survey about my seconded or substantive role?
Yes, please complete the survey based on your current role and working environment at the time of completing it.
I am relatively new to the organisation. Should I still complete the survey?
Yes, the survey is open to every employee, regardless of how long you have been with the organisation. We value your views and experiences, no matter your length of service. We can segment the results to see if perceptions vary by length of service. This enables us to address the needs and concerns of all staff members effectively.
Will I be allowed time at work to complete the survey?
This will be dependent on your own force policies, but we encourage organisations to allow you the time during work to complete the survey if you wish. Alternatively, you can choose to complete the survey in your own time, if you prefer.
Can I answer some of the questions, save my answers and return to complete the survey later?
No, you will need to complete the survey in one go – it should take about 10 minutes.
This allows us to ensure the survey is anonymous – so we do not need to collect any personal information from you.
What if there are questions I don’t want to answer?
You can choose to skip any questions you are not comfortable answering. However, we strongly encourage you to complete all the questions if possible. Your comprehensive feedback is invaluable and helps us to provide more effective support and interventions.
What happens next – When will the survey results be made available?
Leapwise will share initial aggregated dashboard results with forces and Oscar Kilo once the survey closes. Leapwise will then analyse the data and produce a national report, which will be shared by mid-August. If your force has signed up for a local report, this will be shared by early September.