In August 2022, The Royal Foundation of The Prince and Princess of Wales commissioned The Policy Institute at King’s College London to carry out a qualitative evaluation of its Emergency Responder Programme which supports the mental health of emergency responders across the UK. This research provided an in-depth picture of participants’ experiences of the programme and perspectives on its future direction and came at an important time as the Foundation prepared to hand ownership of the programme over to the Senior Leaders’ Board at the end of 2022.

Feedback was gathered from a range of key contacts from across the emergency services, charities, and academia, as well as different levels of seniority and geographical areas across the UK. They had all participated in the Emergency Responder Programme in some way, ranging from delivery and oversight of mental health services to attending an event organised by The Royal Foundation. The evaluation findings were presented to the Senior Leaders’ Board in November 2022, with the recommendations then taken forward to shape the future priorities for the Board.

One year on as programme members convene at the 2023 Emergency Responder Symposium, we are pleased to publish last year’s evaluation report alongside an update from Andy Rhodes, OBE QPM Chair of Senior Leaders Board Tactical Group and Service Director – National Police Wellbeing Service, on programme progress over the last year and the future priorities of the Board.