Police Scotland

The challenge

When Stephen McAllister became Divisional Commander of Forth Valley Division of Police Scotland, it was struggling with the transition from being a local police force to becoming a part of the national one. Staff were not coping with the change and performance was poor.

A lot of experienced staff had either left the organisation or gone to different divisions. This resulted in a shortage of skills, whilst there was significant pressure to perform.

Absence, which had been historically low was now running at high levels – 40 officers were absent from work every day. They needed a partner who could help.

Headtorch gave people a vehicle to focus on wellbeing and what it is, how to look after themselves and each other.

Stephen McAllister – Divisional Commander, Police Scotland

The solution

Following discussions with Headtorch, Stephen was convinced of the validity of the programme Headtorch Works, developed in collaboration with the University of Glasgow.

All levels of the organisation participated in this blended learning & development solution, from the most senior through to the police officer on the street.

Part of the programme is on-line, backed up by self-guided discussion groups. Drama is a key component, used to ensure delegates learn with both their heads and their hearts.

This gave people a focus on wellbeing, normalising mental health – what it is, how to look after yourself and others. This resulted in an organisation that embraced mental health in a completely different way.

Through measuring and independent assessment, we demonstrated that we’d become the best division in the force.

Stephen McAllister – Divisional Commander, Police Scotland

Wellbeing was the golden thread that ran through everything.

Stephen McAllister – Divisional Commander, Police Scotland