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Family & Life Support

Resources for the whole police family — partners, parents, and officers navigating life changes like transfers and parenthood.

Unofficial independent resource — always verify with official sources (College of Policing, your force, PFEW).

Partner & Family Resources

Support organisations and services available to police officers' partners, spouses, and wider family members.

Police Mutual

Financial

Financial products, family events, and social activities specifically for police families.

Police Care UK

Charity

Free counselling, family support grants, and peer networks for serving and retired officers' families.

Oscar Kilo Family Resources

Wellbeing

Wellbeing toolkits designed for police families, including managing the impact of shift work and trauma exposure.

PFEW Family Support

Federation

Federation guidance on maternity/paternity rights, flexible working, and family-related legal issues.

Blue Light Together

Helpline

Free 24/7 helpline for emergency service workers AND their families. Confidential counselling and support.

Force Family Liaison

Local

Most forces have a dedicated family liaison or welfare team. Contact your local force HR for details.

Contact your local force HR

Parental Leave Guide

Comprehensive guidance on parental leave entitlements under Police Regulations.

Maternity Leave

Occupational Maternity Pay

  • 18 weeks at full pay
  • 21 weeks at Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) —
    £184.03/week or 90% of average earnings
  • Optional 13 weeks unpaid additional leave

Eligibility

Must have 26 weeks continuous service by the 15th week before your expected due date.

KIT Days

Up to 10 Keeping in Touch (KIT) days can be worked during maternity leave without ending your leave or pay.

Return to Work

Police regulations allow you to return to the same role and shift pattern you had before maternity leave.

Moving Forces — Transfer Guide

Step-by-step checklist for transferring between police forces. Your progress is saved locally.

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1.Research forces

Use Force Finder to compare forces, pay supplements, and specialist opportunities in the area you want to move to.

2.Check transfer windows

Most forces have specific transfer windows (often quarterly). Check the target force website or recruitment page for dates.

3.Speak to your line manager

Courtesy notification, not permission. Your DPS/HR team handles the formal process — your manager does not need to approve.

4.Complete transfer application

Standard form via the target force HR department. Include your current PDR, sickness record, and disciplinary record.

5.Vetting transfer

Your existing vetting transfers with you, but the target force may require enhanced checks depending on the role.

6.Housing considerations

Police Mutual mortgage advice, Key Worker Living schemes in some areas, and relocation expenses (varies by force).

7.Confirm transfer date

Typically 3–6 months from application to start date. Your salary will adjust to the new force pay point on the same pay scale.

8.Induction at new force

Usually 1–2 weeks of local induction covering force policies, IT systems, and area familiarisation.