What we've been up to
Significant new investment announced for police wellbeing
Early this month the government announced significant new investment to strengthen police wellbeing support across England and Wales.
The funding will support delivery of the wellbeing commitments set out in the Police Reform White Paper, with Oscar Kilo, the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS), leading delivery of key national measures for officers and staff.
The announcement also reinforces the move towards mandatory national wellbeing standards for policing. Developed by the NPWS and the Chief Medical Officer for Policing, these standards will help end the postcode lottery in police wellbeing support, making sure officers and staff can expect a more consistent level of support wherever they serve.
This is a significant step forward. It builds on the foundations already put in place over recent years, while recognising that there is still more to do. It brings new investment behind services designed to help people earlier, prevent issues escalating into crisis, reduce pressure on forces, and improve consistency of support across all forces.
Op Hampshire expands support for misogynistic and sexually motivated incidents
The latest national Op Hampshire network session, held on 16 July, brought together colleagues from across policing to discuss an important and growing area of concern – misogynistic and sexually motivated abuse, assault and harassment affecting police officers and staff.
ACC Sean O'Callaghan from British Transport Police joined the session to talk about his National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) work on tackling misogyny and explored whether guidance and support in this area should sit under the Op Hampshire umbrella. There was strong support from the network to include responses to misogynistic and sexually motivated incidents within Op Hampshire, strengthening its role as a single point of access for guidance, support and victim care for policing colleagues.
The discussion was followed by a powerful contribution from Jay Cooper of UNISON, who highlighted the impact these incidents can have on police staff, particularly female colleagues who have experienced misogynistic abuse or sexual misconduct. The session reinforced the need to ensure that those affected receive the right support and that organisations continue to develop effective responses.
The two presentations highlighted a shared concern across policing and partner organisations and have helped shape future work in this area. Op Hampshire will support the development and promotion of guidance, resources and awareness materials to help forces better understand, prevent and respond to misogynistic and sexually motivated incidents involving police officers and staff.
Thanks to everyone who took the National Police Workforce and Wellbeing Survey 2026
This year, more than 55,000 people took part in the survey, meaning that around one in five people across policing shared their experiences. This makes it the most representative national survey of the police workforce conducted to date.
As the National Police Wellbeing Service, we commission this survey to ensure that the voices and experiences of people across policing are heard, understood and used to inform meaningful change. This year’s response shows just how much people across the service value having the opportunity to have their say.
What comes next
The focus now shifts from data collection to insight and action.
Analysis of the results is already underway, and the findings will be shared through a series of national and force-level outputs, including:
- a national report
- tailored force reports
- a programme of deep dives into key themes emerging from the data
Following a period of stakeholder engagement, the initial national findings will be published by Oscar Kilo in August, followed by a series of deep dive reports through the autumn.
Together, these outputs will help build a clearer picture of workforce experience across policing - from the challenges affecting particular teams and roles, to the broader themes emerging across England and Wales. By combining national evidence with local insight, they will support informed decision-making, targeted interventions and practical action to improve workforce experience.
10,000 hydration supplements for ResetU early adopter forces
Oscar Kilo is helping police officers and staff stay healthy, hydrated and operationally ready by funding more than 10,000 hydration supplement packs for forces taking part in the early rollout of ResetU, the sleep, fatigue and recovery app designed specifically for policing
The hydration supplement giveaway is one of several practical ways Oscar Kilo is supporting the rollout of ResetU and helping officers and staff take small, sustainable steps towards better wellbeing.
By combining digital tools, evidence-based guidance and practical resources, ResetU is helping policing's people understand what drives recovery, manage fatigue and build healthier habits that support both operational performance and long-term wellbeing.
ResetU: The Podcast
Two new episodes of ResetU: The Podcast have been published. These Podcasts bring together voices from across the blue light community to explore what it really takes to stay well in high-pressure, high-impact roles.
Episode eight: Under pressure: perimenopause, policing & women's wellbeing
In this episode Andy and Nathan are joined by Chief Inspector Rebecca Kempster, Deputy Chair of the Met Police’s Menopause Advisory Group, and women’s health scientist Verity Fotheringham, founder of Hysteron, to talk openly about menopause and perimenopause.
Episode nine: The trauma reset: How to build resilience before burnout
In this episode of ResetU, Andy and Nathan are joined by Dr. Jess Miller and Police Officer Karla Brass to explore the fascinating neuroscience behind trauma, stress, and resilience, uncovering how a deeper understanding of the brain can transform the way police officers, first responders, and emergency service personnel protect their mental wellbeing.
Find out more about Reset U and see if your force is signed up using the button below
Time's running out to enter the Oscar Kilo awards
Due to requests from forces we have extended the closing date to 31 July 26, so there's still time to get your entries in.
These awards are your opportunity to recognise work that’s made a real difference to the wellbeing of officers, staff and volunteers across policing.
As part of our commitment to improving consistency and measuring progress across the service, all award entries must demonstrate how the work aligns with the Workforce Prioritisation Guidance (WPG). Entries will be cross‑referenced with your force’s WPG submission, helping us ensure that the work being recognised is connected to agreed priorities and forms part of your overall approach to wellbeing. If you plan to enter an award, please ensure your force WPG lead is aware of the submission. If you don't know who this is, please contact us and we can put you in touch.
The categories
- Peer Support
Recognising programmes that empower colleagues to support one another through lived experience, guidance, and compassionate connection. - OK9 Wellbeing Dogs
Celebrating the forces using wellbeing dogs to create psychologically safe spaces and reduce stress across policing environments. - Operation Hampshire
For forces demonstrating outstanding care for officers and staff who are victims of assault, ensuring they feel supported, valued, and heard. - Healthy Living
Covering initiatives focused on sleep and fatigue management, physical fitness, nutrition, and wider healthy lifestyle interventions. - Occupational Health
Highlighting innovative or high‑quality Occupational Health services that proactively protect and promote the wellbeing of the workforce. - Trauma Support
Recognising evidence‑based approaches that support trauma‑exposed staff across policing. - Suicide Prevention
Recognising evidence‑based approaches that reduce the risk of suicide across policing. - Support for Police Families or Police Leavers
Celebrating work that extends care beyond the job – supporting families, partners, and those transitioning out of policing. - Staff Engagement
Showcasing creative and effective approaches that strengthen engagement, improve culture, and help people feel connected, informed, and valued.
Find out how to enter the awards and read the full criteria for each of the categories on our awards page, using the link below. The winners will be announced at the Oscar Kilo Conference on 13 October at Crewe Hall Hotel and Spa.
You can also read about previous winning entries by clicking here
OK9 introduced in Counter Terrorism Police
We are delighted that Counter Terrorism Policing have introduced OK9 dogs and they are available right across their national network, offering accessible and flexible support to officers and staff. This initiative makes it possible for CTP teams to access OK9 Peer Support even if their home forces are not currently part of the OK9 Network. Whether it’s to help a team reset after a difficult period, boost morale, or simply support everyday wellbeing, CTP plan to use the OK9 dogs proactively, not just in times of crisis.
Wellbeing vans support major events across the UK
The Commonwealth Games will take place in Glasgow from 23 July to 2 August, with seven National Police Wellbeing Service vans deployed throughout the event.
The vans have already been delivered and will visit key locations across the city, providing a visible wellbeing presence for officers and staff. Colleagues from Police Scotland's Wellbeing and Welfare Department will staff the vans, offering support, signposting and information about the National Police Wellbeing Service and the resources available.
A number of Police Scotland OK9 wellbeing and trauma support dogs and their handlers will also be attending the Games.
Other recent deployments
Our wellbeing vans continue to support officers and staff at major events and operational incidents across the country. Recently, vans have been deployed to The Open at Royal Birkdale and the Durham Miners' Gala.
Meanwhile, our specially designed OK1 van, fitted as a mobile welfare room, was deployed to Hoghton, Lancashire, following a fatal incident on a level crossing and to Bedfordshire to support officers and staff responding to a triple murder investigation.
This ongoing support ensures that colleagues have access to welfare facilities and wellbeing resources wherever and whenever they are needed.
Blue Light Card Foundation Workplace Wellbeing Fund 2026
The Blue Light Card Foundation is awarding 20 grants of £2,000 to support workplace wellbeing projects across the UK’s blue light community.
The fund is designed to help teams create practical improvements that encourage people to recharge, reconnect and recover.
Whether your idea improves your working environment, creates opportunities to spend time in nature, or helps colleagues come together through wellbeing activities, the Blue Light Card Foundation would love to hear from you.
The application window is 27 July - 7 August, so if you are interested check out their website.
Supporting victims through the Own My Life programme
Oscar Kilo recently met with representatives from the Own My Life (OML) programme, a 13-week online course supporting women who have experienced domestic abuse. The programme helps participants understand the impact of abuse and trauma, rebuild confidence and regain control of their lives.
More than 21,000 women have completed the course, and policing is leading the way in bringing the programme into the workplace. With funding currently available to train facilitators within police forces, there is growing opportunity to make this support more accessible to police officers, staff and volunteers who may benefit from it.
We are exploring how Oscar Kilo can help raise awareness of this valuable programme and the support it offers.
Coming soon
Workforce Prioritisation Guidance (WPG) self-assessment update
We're delighted to confirm that all 43 forces have now completed and submitted their Workforce Prioritisation Guidance (WPG) self-assessment, reflecting the continued commitment of forces and the invaluable support of the SPOC network.
We are currently analysing the results and, over the coming weeks, will share both a national overview and individual force reports to help organisations benchmark progress and identify opportunities for development.
Alongside this, we'll be publishing a Good Practice Compendium, showcasing some of the innovative and effective wellbeing initiatives taking place across policing. By sharing what's working well, we hope to support forces in strengthening their own health and wellbeing strategies and learning from colleagues across the service.
Dementia UK and Oscar Kilo: Specialist support for policing
As part of our support for police families, Police officers and staff who are living with dementia, or supporting a loved one with the condition, we will be offering free specialist support through a new partnership between the National Police Wellbeing Service and Dementia UK.
Caring for someone with dementia can be rewarding, but it can also bring emotional, practical and financial challenges. For some members of the police workforce, they may also be navigating their own dementia diagnosis. Whatever your situation, support is available.
Launching 1 September police officers and staff will be able to book a free, confidential one-to-one appointment with a Dementia UK Admiral Nurse directly from the Oscar Kilo website. These virtual appointments offer expert guidance, emotional support and practical advice tailored to your individual circumstances.
Full details will be available in our August Bulletin.
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