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Readiness ReframedHer frontline. Her insight.
Baseline 2026

What you told us – and what's happening

Northshire Constabulary (fictional) · 74 women took part (62% of those invited) · 4 May 2026 – 29 May 2026

Follow-up autumn 2026 is open until 30 October 2026.Take part

Our response

Thank you to the 74 women who took part. You told us kit fit and access to toilets on shift most often get in the way, and that supportive managers and flexible breaks help most. Here is what we're doing.

Published 24 June 2026

Where work gets in the way

% who said this fit or worked fairly poorly or very poorly

  • Breast support with kit49%
  • Uniform or specialist PPE fit24%
  • Vest, belt or harness fit15%
  • Body armour fitnot shown

What helps you excel

  1. Strength, fitness or preparation for work demands – 47%
  2. Suitable breast support – 46%
  3. Equipment and uniform that fit and work well – 39%

What you want changed

  1. Better compatibility between breast support and occupational kit – 39%
  2. Better equipment design, sizing and fit – 35%
  3. Education on pelvic health, breathing and movement under load – 33%

In your words

“Once my vest was the right size I could actually get into the car and out again quickly. That one change made more difference than anything.”
“On long nights there is nowhere to go between jobs. I end up not drinking water so I don't need the toilet, and I feel it by the end.”
“My sergeant let me swap to a later start during the worst of perimenopause. It kept me on the street rather than off sick.”

What’s happening

Kit fitCompleted
What women told us
Kit fit
Organisation’s response
Female-specific armour sizes are now offered at every kit fitting.
Owner and target date
Head of Uniform & Equipment · 31 August 2026
Latest update
New fittings run at all three stations.
Toilet access & breaksIn progress
What women told us
Toilet access & breaks
Organisation’s response
We're agreeing welfare stops across the county and writing guidance on protected breaks.
Owner and target date
Superintendent, Response Policing · 30 November 2026
Latest update
Six welfare stops agreed with partners; guidance in draft.
Menopause supportPlanned
What women told us
Menopause support
Organisation’s response
All sergeants will receive training on menopause and practical adjustments.
Owner and target date
Head of Learning · 31 January 2027
Shift patternsNot proceeding
What women told us
Shift patterns
Organisation’s response
We can't change shift patterns before the national review in April 2027, but your findings will go into it.
Owner and target date
Head of Resourcing · 1 April 2027
Latest update
A force-wide shift review is fixed by national agreement until April 2027. We will put women's findings into that review.

Next review: 13 November 2026. Results show combined answers only; groups under 10 are never shown.