Supporting public safety leaders: Applying empirical findings to the emerging evidence

Abstract

Following a review of the limited international evidence on the mental health and wellness of public safety leaders published in this journal, we wanted to present our findings on prison governors in the United Kingdom to see if our empirical data added further insight into this important area. Our research consisted of interviews with 63 prison governors (managers or leaders) in England, Scotland, and Wales where we aimed to explore their health and well-being. The interviews provided a wealth of data which helped us to explore how prison governors were feeling in relation to their physical and mental health, their work–life balance, and their feelings toward their role consequently exploring the impacts their work had in these areas. We mapped our findings to the points raised in the review of the evidence base to identify where our empirical findings provide support, or contradictions, to these. Our data supported the issues raised throughout the evidence review; it is imperative that public safety leaders have access to tailored, confidential support to help them stay well. Our recommendations align with those points made from the evidence base, specifically that peer support and reflective interventions could help to promote the well-being of public safety leaders, and that more research is needed into their health and well-being to develop the emerging evidence base and inform new approaches to support.