OU leads groundbreaking research into policing and well-being

Dr Keely Duddin, a celebrated researcher at The Open University (OU) and winner of the Research Excellence Award for Outstanding Early Career Researcher, is at the forefront of addressing pressing issues within UK policing. Two of her current projects, which have just received funding, aim to improve well-being and inclusivity in policing, reflecting her commitment to fostering systemic change. The projects form part of her Open Societal Challenges work on Parental Pathways: Advancing Inclusivity and Sustainability in UK Policing & Beyond.

Dr Duddin’s award-winning work began as a personal passion project inspired by her own experiences in the police force. Together with her co-lead, Kendal Wright, she originally embarked on this research journey to explore the maternity experience of women in policing. Their earlier research involved a national survey along with knowledge exchange events to collect evidence, develop practical recommendations, and drive meaningful policy changes. These findings, which were highly praised by the police forces involved, laid the foundation for her ongoing efforts to expand the scope of her work through new collaborations with various organisations.

Building on this foundation, Dr Duddin’s current projects further underscore her dedication to addressing critical challenges in policing. One initiative focuses on evaluating and enhancing the Baby Loss Support Network within the Metropolitan Police Service (MPS). This project, funded by the OU-Police Consortium with a grant of £11,335, seeks to assess the effectiveness of existing support mechanisms, including SANDS training (developed by the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Society), and explore the feasibility of in-house training programs. By improving the well-being of officers and staff affected by baby loss, the research aligns with the Centre for Policing Research and Learning (CPRL) priorities and has the potential to serve as a model for police forces nationwide.

The second project delves deeper into the maternity journeys of women of colour in policing, examining the unique challenges they face during pregnancy, maternity or parental leave, and their return to work. With £10,296 in funding and collaborations with British Transport Police and Thames Valley Police, the project aims to illuminate systemic vulnerabilities, foster inclusivity, and amplify the voices of underrepresented groups. By leveraging a collaborative research approach, this initiative seeks to instigate positive change across the policing landscape.

Dr Duddin’s work exemplifies how personal experiences can inspire transformative research with far-reaching impacts. Through her innovative and evidence-based approach, she continues to bridge the gap between academia and public service, demonstrating how research can drive practical improvements in critical societal sectors.