What we've been up to
Fairer treatment for injured officers and staff after change in compensation rules
Police officers, staff and emergency workers put themselves in harm’s way every day to protect the public. When they’re injured doing that job, they deserve fair treatment and recognition.
Thanks to joint work between the National Police Wellbeing Service (NPWS) and the Police Federation of England and Wales (PFEW), important changes have now been made to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Authority (CICA) guidance to make that happen.
Why this change was needed
Assaults on police are at record levels. Yet, under previous eligibility guidance, many claims for compensation were turned down because some injuries weren’t assessed as the result of a “crime of violence”.
That interpretation didn’t reflect the reality of policing. Officers and staff often sustain injuries while detaining or restraining violent or reckless offenders - situations that carry real danger, but the operational context did often not appear to be understood or recognised for many of our applicants. This will now be reflected in the new guidance for assessors.
What’s changed
The revised guidance, published on 3 October, now makes clear that when an emergency worker is injured by someone violently resisting arrest or behaving recklessly, decision-makers must fully consider whether those actions amount to a crime of violence.
This means those injured through violent or reckless behaviour now have a fairer basis for claiming compensation.
How we made it happen
This change is the result of true collaboration.
- The NPWS, through Operation Hampshire, identified the issue and drafted a detailed paper outlining concerns.
- The PFEW provided clear and compelling case evidence and worked alongside us to build the case.
- The Police Covenant Oversight Board, Home Office, and CICA all engaged constructively to agree the improvements.
Together, we’ve ensured the guidance reflects the operational reality of policing and the risks our people face.
If you are a police officer or police staff member and you have been injured, go to our Operation Hampshire pages for additional guidance on submitting your application.
You can also find further details in the CICA guidance for assessors here.
Mental Health Crisis Line
Since its national launch in July, the Mental Health Crisis Line has received and made over 120 calls, offering immediate, confidential support to officers and staff in moments of crisis. Whether someone is feeling overwhelmed, suicidal, or simply needs someone to talk to, the line provides a safe space to speak with qualified counsellors trained in suicide prevention and experienced in supporting emergency service workers.
We know this line has saved lives.
Delivered in partnership with TASC, The Ambulance Staff Charity, the Crisis Line is available 24/7/365 to anyone working in policing across England and Wales. It’s completely independent and confidential - no information is shared with forces or managers, and callers are never judged.
The Crisis Line is part of a wider offer of wellbeing support that we offer, here on the Oscar Kilo website. Officers, staff, volunteers, families, and leavers can access:
- The Peer Debriefing Model Course - a structured, non-clinical approach to help teams process difficult or traumatic incidents and support each other effectively.
- The Supervisor Support Model - a psychoeducational course to help line managers spot signs of mental ill-health, have supportive conversations, and signpost colleagues to help, while also caring for their own wellbeing.
- A wide range of toolkits, films, podcasts, webinars, and resources designed to promote resilience, self-care, and recovery, in our 'Resources' section.
- Dedicated support for police families, and those who leave the service.
Oscar Kilo is committed to helping everyone in policing stay well, feel valued, and thrive - both at work and at home.
If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available - and it’s just a phone call away.
📞 Mental Health Crisis Line: 0300 131 2789
What's been happening in our workstreams:
Op Hampshire update
Our Op Hampshire lead Dave Brewster attended the Lead Chaplains Conference in Ryton as a guest of the National Chaplain Matthew Hopley. He talked through the wider work of the National Police Wellbeing Service NPWS explaining how forces can make best use of the service.
The twenty-sixth National Op Hampshire network session took place in October with representation from 25 forces. During the session we were pleased to introduce two separate guest speakers:
PS Hayley-Jade May (MPS) gave an interesting input in relation to a potential trend emerging regarding female officer victims of assault and the likelihood of sustaining serious injury compared to male colleagues. A really important piece of work which the MPS are looking at from a risk mitigation perspective with options being considered around communication, training and kit.
Claire Long raised awareness of the Mental Health Crisis line and the very hard-hitting subject of suicide in policing, the effects of which are wide-reaching. The crisis line is available to all serving police personnel in England and Wales.
Wellbeing vans update
We sent vans to Greater Manchester Police to support the staffing of the static points at synagogues across Salford, Bury and Prestwich after the attack at Heaton Park Hebrew Congregation synagogue on Thursday 2 October.
Feedback from the officers and the Senior Leadership Team indicated they were invaluable as a place for officers to take a break from their duty and was welcome shelter during the bad weather. The officers working long extended shifts under difficult conditions were grateful for a place to relax, have a drink or something to eat, whilst still being visible in the community.
A spokesperson from GMP said: "On behalf of the Greater Manchester Police officers, I would like to express our immense gratitude for the service that you have provided. The support is immeasurable."
Occupational Health update
October has been a busy month as the OH Practitioner Network continues to grow and strengthen. We started the month with the whole network virtual meeting on 1 October. We then joined the OHNAPS event at Ryton where John spoke about the reforming police OH project and we joined panel discussions. It was good to network in person with OH colleagues. This month we have also held a well-attended OH managers forum, the CMO Medical Forum and Mental Health Nurses Group. In addition, there have been two regional meetings, Welsh Forces and Northern Forces Group which met in person hosted by Durham. We are looking forward now to the OK conference and Awards in November.
WellFest virtual wellbeing festival 2025 - recordings available
Devon and Cornwall and Dorset Police’s Wellbeing team held its sixth annual virtual wellbeing festival in October, which was a huge success.
We are delighted to tell you that they have shared the recordings of many of the session with us for you to watch in your own time. You can access them using the link below.
What's coming soon
Launch of the updated Workforce Prioritisation Guidance
This week we have written to all forces with an update on the Workforce Prioritisation Guidance (WPG). This will outline what the guidance is, how it supports the national strategy, and what it means for your organisation. The update will help ensure everyone is informed and clear on the next steps before we formally release the update at conference.
Oscar Kilo conference and awards 2025
There's only a few weeks to go till the 2025 Oscar Kilo conference and awards on 17-19 November which is taking place at Crewe Hall Hotel and Spa, Crewe, Cheshire.
This year the conference theme is 'Connecting the dots – People, wellbeing, and data in policing'
The conference is built around connection - connecting people, forces, and initiatives to create a cohesive, data-driven approach to wellbeing and welfare in policing. We will explore how individual efforts contribute to a wider national strategy, how data can be used to inform and improve wellbeing provision, and how collaboration strengthens policing’s collective commitment to its people.
We are delighted to have some fantastic guest speakers and presentations lined up for our delegates.
Registration is now closed and final reminders including a comprehensive agenda will be sent out on Tuesday 4 November.
We'll be giving you a full round-up of the conference and awards in the next bulletin.
Wellbeing of investigators week of action
We are delighted to be supporting the NPCC Recruitment Retention and Wellbeing of Investigators Portfolio for the fifth year running with their wellbeing of investigators week of action which takes place on 10-14 November.
Developed and facilitated by the NPCC Recruitment Retention and Wellbeing of Investigators Portfolio, the week of action will involve a variety of daily webinars to share best practice and encourage national debate. Check out what's available and register now.
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