The new online hub offers advice and support through every stage of their journey, from initial thinking about next steps, to creating a CV, networking, interviews, and wellbeing.
Providing support to those who are leaving or who have left policing is a key pillar of the Police Covenant. The Covenant recognises the unique contribution and sacrifices that both police officers and police staff make as a result of their service.
To create the online hub, we have worked with Dr Ceri Jones, a Chartered Psychologist and Stuart Noble, a former Chief Superintendent. They have more than 20 years of experience helping those moving on from policing and other public sector organisations.
The leavers' hub builds on our work to help police forces provide world-class wellbeing support for everyone who works for them.
Andy Rhodes, Service Director of Oscar Kilo, said:
“Retiring from or leaving policing is a big change, especially after a long period of service. It can take a while to adjust to life out of policing, and early preparation is key.
“Our new resources will help support officers and staff to start thinking well in advance of their retirement or leaving date, so that they can be ready for the next stage of their lives.
“Our officers and staff have many transferrable skills and the resources on the hub will help them identify these. As the National Police Wellbeing Service, we are hoping the hub will also help them to recognise all the things they have achieved and the service they have given, so that they can take their next steps – whatever they might be – with confidence and knowing their service has been appreciated.”
College of Policing CEO Chief Constable Andy Marsh said:
“Retirement can be an emotionally difficult process after the stresses and strains of a challenging career as a police officer or staff member. I therefore welcome this new online hub, which I know will provide invaluable support for colleagues who are coming towards the end of their service.
“There are a wide range of transferrable skills and experiences within policing, and this resource will help individuals to better transition into new careers which match their many talents.”
Policing Minister Chris Philp said:
“Policing is one of the most extraordinary jobs anyone can do. It can be incredibly rewarding and there are precious few experiences in the workplace that can compare to apprehending an offender, comforting a victim or turning around the lives and prospects of a community you serve.
“But it is also a demanding career and I have been clear that the Police Covenant must deliver real benefits that can be felt by all and that this support should continue when they leave policing.
“The work of Oscar Kilo is so important to this, and I fully support the launch of this new online hub for retirees and leavers which will provide vital support for every stage of their future journey”.
Dr Ceri Jones said;
“Leaving or retiring from policing can be challenging for some, particularly as police officers and staff often strongly identify with their role and policing values. We know that individuals who are able to move through the stages of transition at their own pace, with support and resources can adjust to their new lives more easily.
“This research and our work supporting police leavers across the UK was used to inform the development of the online hub. The online hub provides both practical and personal resources that police leavers can utilise during this transition to positively manage and prepare for their new chapter.”
To find out more:
Have you recently left policing? We want to hear from you!
We’ve commissioned a short survey to understand more about the choices people make when they decide to leave policing. This will help us build on our initial resources and potentially identify new areas of support.
The results of this survey will also help us better understand this transition and support people need to prepare both mentally and practically for the change.
How to complete the survey
Click on the button below, it takes just 10 minutes, and all responses are anonymous.