Wellbeing

The wellbeing of forensic practitioners is vital. The FCN is exploring methods to understand the current wellbeing status and issues within our forensic community. We want to help identify gaps in existing wellbeing support and good practice within forces, and make recommendations for change to enhance wellbeing of forensic practitioners.

To access previous research, news and webinars about wellbeing in forensics and policing, take a look through our resources below.

The hidden cost of the night shift and how to sleep it off - BBC News - An interesting recent news article about the importance of sleep and the impact of night work. 

The 24/7 Mental Health Crisis Line is an independent and confidential service for anyone working in policing, experiencing a mental health crisis or suicidal thoughts.

If you’re in crisis, and need help now, call 0300 131 2789

Mental Health Crisis Line for policing | Oscar Kilo

In 2025 the FCN attended the CYCLOPES Practitioners’ Workshop on the Wellbeing of Digital Forensic Investigators (DFIs)’, and the  "Empowering Practice, Enhancing Prevention" workshop co-organised by the 2PS and CYCLOPES projects. These workshops facilitated a vital and timely discussion on how we support those operating in some of the most challenging and emotionally demanding roles in law enforcement.

DFIs face ongoing exposure to traumatic content, high operational pressures, and often work within organisational settings where structured wellbeing support is limited or inconsistent. This workshop provided a collaborative space to confront these realities and explore actionable solutions.
Key insights from the discussion:

• Cultural barriers persist - stigma around seeking help, coupled with a lingering ‘macho’ culture, continues to discourage engagement with support service.
• Organisational frameworks need strengthening — current approaches to screen breaks, exposure limits, and return-to-work support remain fragmented and undefined.
• Leadership plays a pivotal role — line managers require better training to recognise early signs of distress and to foster supportive, open dialogue.
• Technology presents new opportunities — innovations such as blurred viewing interfaces, trauma exposure trackers, and AI-assisted triage could significantly reduce harm.
• Wellbeing must be built in, not bolted on — through mandatory rest periods, dedicated wellbeing time, and structured support programmes.
• A European data gap must be addressed — participants supported the development of a centralised data source to guide consistent, evidence-informed practices across the EU.

These events brought together law enforcement practitioners, mental health professionals, and researchers who shared insights, experiences, and practical recommendations. FCN presented on the results of the forensic practitioner wellbeing survey.

These workshops marked an important step toward building a more resilient, trauma-informed digital forensic workforce across Europe.

Call for Participants

Research Study: Experiences of Forensic Practitioners During Pregnancy, Maternity Leave, and Return to Work

We are inviting participants to take part in a research study exploring the experiences of forensic practitioners during pregnancy, maternity leave, and return to work within the UK forensic science sector.

Are you:

• Over 18 years old 
• A current forensic practitioner, or
• Someone who has worked in forensic practice within the last three years, and
• Have you practised within the UK (e.g. laboratory-based forensic science, crime scene investigation, or related forensic roles)?
• Have you experienced pregnancy while working in forensic practice?

If so, we would welcome your participation in this important study.

This research aims to better understand workplace experiences, practices, and support relating to pregnancy and maternity within forensic science. Your insights will help inform future policies, workplace practices, and interventions to support women and pregnant people working in forensic practice.

What does participation involve?

• Completing an anonymous online survey (approximately 20 minutes)
• You will be provided the option to express your interest in a follow‑up focus group or one‑to‑one interview (via a separate, unlinked form and your survey responses remain anonymous)

Participation is entirely voluntary, and all survey responses are anonymous.

If you are interested in taking part, please follow the survey link below: include link to survey here once on Jisc

If you would like more information, please contact mary.makinde@canterbury.ac.uk or SEForensicNetwork@canterbury.ac.uk