This year’s Oscar Kilo Conference and Awards brought together policing colleagues from across the UK for three inspiring days at Crewe Hall, all under the theme 'Connecting the dots – people, wellbeing, and data in policing.'
From the moment delegates arrived, the atmosphere was buzzing with energy and purpose. The conference opened with a warm welcome from Dr Sian Williams and our Service Director Andy Rhodes, setting the tone for what would be a truly collaborative event. Andy reminded us that wellbeing is no longer a side conversation – it’s a strategic priority – and encouraged everyone to share ideas, challenge thinking, and take something back to their force that can make a real difference.
Day one: Reward, recognition and inspiration
Day one focused on connection and inspiration. We heard from broadcaster and former racing driver Tom Gaymor, whose powerful story of resilience struck a chord with many. A lively panel discussion followed, where previous Oscar Kilo Award winners shared how their initiatives have moved from concept to impact. We also broadened our horizons with a fascinating session on global perspectives from Dubai Police’s Quality of Life Centre. The day closed with Andy Rhodes reflecting on the importance of collaboration before delegates gathered for the highlight of the evening – the Oscar Kilo awards gala dinner. With over 90 entries from 35 forces, the awards showcased incredible innovation and dedication to wellbeing across policing.
Celebrating excellence: Oscar Kilo awards 2025
The awards ceremony was a true celebration of creativity, compassion, and commitment. Here’s a snapshot of the winners:
- Families and leavers: Bedfordshire Police for 'Our Extended Police Family', a pioneering initiative supporting officers’ loved ones from day one.
- Occupational health: Cumbria Constabulary for setting the gold standard in proactive, holistic care.
- Operation Hampshire: Avon and Somerset Police for their trauma-informed approach to preventing repeat victimisation.
- Peer support: Bedfordshire Police for building a resilient, connected peer support network.
- OK9 wellbeing dogs: Devon and Cornwall Police for their heartwarming project 'Darcy Visits the Allotment', blending storytelling and wellbeing.
- Trauma and suicide prevention: West Yorkshire Police for Trauma Tracker, a data-driven tool transforming early intervention.
- Healthy living: Police Service of Northern Ireland for their holistic Watch Your Wellbeing programme.
- Staff engagement: Warwickshire Police for Building Our Future Together, redefining organisational values through genuine collaboration.
- International award: Dubai Police for their groundbreaking Quality of Life Centre, setting a global benchmark for wellbeing.
Congratulations to all winners, runners-up, and highly commended entries – your work is shaping a healthier, more resilient policing culture.
You can find out who are our winners, runners up and highly commended in each category and read about their winning projects on our awards page
Day two: What the NPWS is doing for you
Day two shifted the focus to national action. Sessions explored everything from the National Health and Wellbeing Strategy and Workforce Prioritisation Guidance to the latest insights from the National Police Wellbeing Survey. We saw how data is being used to drive smarter decisions and improve outcomes, and learned about practical tools like ResetU, a new digital wellbeing resource designed by policing, for policing. Other highlights included discussions on financial wellbeing, trauma support, and equity in wellbeing provision. The day ended with a moving presentation on the psychological impact of responding to the Grenfell Tower fire – a stark reminder of why this work matters.
At the end of day two, delegates had the opportunity to join holistic wellbeing sessions, from yoga and breathwork to the brave souls who took on the ice bath challenge.
Day three: Networks
Day three was all about networks and practical collaboration, with specialist breakout sessions for occupational health, counsellors and psychologists and a combined session for peer support, OK9 wellbeing dogs and Operation Hampshire. These smaller groups provided space to share best practice, tackle challenges, and strengthen connections that will last well beyond the conference.
A huge thank you to everyone who made this conference possible – our speakers, exhibitors, award entrants, and of course, every delegate who joined us. Your energy, openness, and commitment to wellbeing are what make this community so special.
As Andy said, “No one can do this alone – it takes leadership, partnership, and a shared commitment to doing the right thing.” Let’s keep connecting the dots and building a policing culture where wellbeing is part of how we work every day.
The Oscar Kilo conference is our main in-person event, but there’s so much happening throughout the year. We’d love you to stay involved, keep sharing your ideas, and start thinking about what you might enter for the 2026 awards.