The FCN commissioned Durham University to complete a forensic appendix to the National Police Wellbeing Survey 2021 to highlight specific areas of interest to the forensic workforce. This is the first time that responses from forensic staff have been put under the microscope and analysed.

FCN’s Workforce Strategy Lead Paula Mulroy said:

“We wanted to use the opportunity provided by the National Wellbeing Survey to look in more detail at the needs of the forensic workforce. Anecdotally we all think we know about the wellbeing challenges that our work imposes, but as anyone working within science knows, hard data is important for proper understanding.”

The forensic appendix was designed to provide a specific picture of the priority areas for forensic services and those working in this area.

At a glance:

  • 784 responses from staff working within forensic services
  • Forensic staff report moderately high scores for Fatigue, Sleep Issues and Anxiety
  • Forensic staff report moderately low scores for Emotional Energy
  • Higher frequencies for Challenge & Hindrance stressors
  • High scores for sense of being valued by co-workers and supervisors
  • Job satisfaction is high
  • Responses are broadly in line with those for Police Officers and Police Staff

The findings will be used to inform the three priorities of the Workforce Wellbeing Strategy Workstream.

  • Exploring methods to understand current wellbeing status and issues within our forensic community
  • Identifying gaps in existing wellbeing support and good practice within forces
  • Making recommendations for change to enhance wellbeing of forensic practitioners

Paula continued:

“We believe a proper strategy for supporting forensic staff is vital and the additional analysis from the National Wellbeing Survey gives us data to underpin that work.”

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