Everyone involved in policing across the UK is being asked to share their personal experiences by completing our annual online survey in partnership with Leapwise.
The survey explores workforce experience, including workload and demand, leadership and culture, team environment, organisational support and personal wellbeing.
This year’s survey builds on last year’s landmark findings, which came after 40,000 contributors participated and provided the clearest national picture yet of workforce experience across policing.
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.
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, will be able to participate independently here, 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.
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.
We want as many people as possible to take part. Whether your force is running it locally or not, there is now a way to complete the survey through the Oscar Kilo website directly. Every voice helps us build a clearer picture and strengthens our ability to improve the experience of working in policing.”
Chief Constable Sir Andy Marsh, Chief Executive Officer of the College of Policing, said:
“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.”
Chief Constable Gavin Stephens, Chair of the National Police Chiefs’ Council, said:
“Policing cannot improve unless we listen intently to the people doing the job day in, day out. The National Police Workforce and Wellbeing Survey is the best opportunity to hear directly from colleagues about what is working, where the pressures are, and where change is needed.
We know that officers and staff are having to work in some ways that are outdated, complicated and frustrating. Last year’s survey results have already helped inform important national conversations about police reform and the changes that are needed in working practices, technology and leadership.
I would encourage everyone across policing to take part this year, so that we can continue to build the strongest possible evidence base for investment in policing and support the brilliant work our teams do to keep communities safe.”
The National Police Workforce and Wellbeing Survey 2026 is mobile-friendly and can be completed on any device. Further information will be available through local force communications and on the Oscar Kilo website.
NOTE: To find out more about the survey, see results from previous years, or read more detailed reports, go to the Oscar Kilo website: National Police Workforce and Wellbeing Survey | Oscar Kilo