Findings from Crowe report on Health and Wellbeing of Garda Personnel released

In July 2019, An Garda Síochána commissioned Crowe to carry out an independent review to establish the views of Garda personnel on a range of areas including the physical and mental health of individuals, workplace culture and demands, as well as uptake of, and views on, mental health and trauma support provided by the organisation.

Over 5,200 personnel across the organisation completed the survey between October and November 2019 as part of the ongoing work being undertaken by An Garda Síochána under the Government’s A Policing Service for our Future.

Key findings from the survey of Garda personnel:

• Average mental health rating: 6.8/10 (Gardaí 6.8, Garda staff 7.3)
• Average physical health rating: 6.6/10 (Gardaí 6.4, Garda staff 7.2)
• Over 50% of respondents occasionally experience trauma at work – (63% for Gardaí)
• 45% experience high or very high stress levels at work
• 70% of Garda personnel feel they can speak with a supervisor about something causing upset at work
• 26% of personnel have taken a work-related absence in the previous twelve months
• Over 70% of members of An Garda Síochána are aware of the organisation’s support services including peer support network, the 24/7 confidential helpline and counselling service
• Vast majority of those who have used these support services are happy with the services and would recommend them to a colleague (e.g. 73% satisfaction rate for peer support, 65% rate for employee assistance service, and 73% for 24/7 helpline)

Garda Commissioner Drew Harris said, ‘We want to create a culture where everyone feels supported and can rely on our support services in their time of need. The responses contained in the survey will greatly assist us in that task. The results have sent a clear message around important issues and in particular mental health and trauma.’

An Garda Síochána has outlined a range of measures taken and planned to continue to support the health and wellbeing of Garda personnel.

They include recent enhancements to the independent 24/7 counselling service for Garda personnel and the launch next month of a health and wellbeing app.

In the last month, psychological supervision and supports have also been put in place for Garda personnel working in Cyber Crime, Protective Services, and Specialist Interviewing.

In addition, a formal relationship has been established with Oscar Kilo – the UK National Police Wellbeing Service.

An Garda Síochána’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Oghenovo Oghuvbu said, ‘This very valuable feedback from over 5,000 colleagues is informing our forthcoming Health and Wellness Strategy and Implementation Plan. It is apparent from the findings of the Health Needs Assessment 2019 Report that the culture surrounding mental wellbeing needs to progress and evolve within the organisation.’

Crowe’s consulting department has extensive experience helping and advising clients in Ireland across diverse sectors, from multinational organisations and major public bodies to local businesses and not-for-profit entities.