Through this study, funded by the Police Mutual Foundation, we looked at the evidence base on the field of practice known as ‘Organisational Development’ and police wellbeing. We also interviewed senior leaders and experts within policing and the wider public sector. Despite pressures on public sector workers such as austerity and high workloads, we found evidence that forces could improve police wellbeing if employees had a direct say on the changes made within their organisation and how these are managed.

Through our research we found many examples of successful change management across the whole public sector. While Organisational Development is much less developed in policing, we found some clear examples of good practice, for example the pioneering work in Lancashire Constabulary which is described in the report.

The report concludes with a set of recommendations for police leaders.