Fire and Rescue Services and Police: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder

(a) Policing

The Government has been clear that the wellbeing of our police is a priority, and we want to ensure that all police officers and staff have the appropriate support in place to thrive in their careers and continue to serve the public. Chief Constables have a responsibility to manage their workforce effectively and this includes ensuring the wellbeing of all officers and staff.

Through the Police Covenant, and led by the Chief Medical Officer, all forces now meet the new Occupational Health foundation level standards. We also continue to fund the National Police Wellbeing Service. The Service provides evidence-based guidance, advice, tools and resources to support forces and individual officers, including guidance on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Policing. The NPWS is helping forces to identify where there is most risk of impacts on mental health, and developing work around building resilience, as well as putting in place support for those who need it, including trauma support.

(b)Fire

Responsibility for health and wellbeing ultimately rests with Fire and Rescue Services.The National Fire Chiefs Council’s Health and Wellbeing lead has established a health and wellbeing board to drive positive change across the sector which focuses on prevention, early intervention and support for individuals. The Home Office supports the board’s work