Commencing in March 2025, the Independent Cultural Review of the New South Wales Police Force will examine the systems, processes, attitudes and behaviours that shape members’ experiences at work.
In workplaces, the culture is shaped by people, systems and structures – it is both the written and the unwritten rules that influence the workplace’s character.
Members from across New South Wales are invited to share their experiences to help us better understand the culture within the Police Force, the challenges they encounter, and the opportunities they see to ensure fair, safe and respectful workplaces.
At the conclusion of the Cultural Review, we will deliver our report, including recommendations for cultural reform, to the Commissioner of the New South Wales Police Force.
Hearing from New South Wales Police Force members will be a critical input in helping the Cultural Review team build a detailed understanding of your work environment.
The Cultural Review is open to:
Members will have multiple ways to participate in the Cultural Review, including a workforce survey, confidential interviews, informal listening sessions and written submissions.
The Cultural Review is being led by an independent team led by Kristen Hilton, former Victorian Equal Opportunity and Human Rights Commissioner.
Kristen has worked across public, private and community sectors driving transformational policy and legal change and promoting ethical leadership and is recognised as one of the country’s leading equality and human rights experts.
Over the last decade Kristen had led comprehensive, multi-year reviews into human rights compliance, equality and diversity within Victoria Police, Victoria’s fire services, Ambulance Victoria, the Victorian racing industry and Victoria’s adult custodial corrections system.
She was an expert advisor on the implementation of the recommendations of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System and is currently part of the expert panel supporting Queensland Police Force’s review into diversity and inclusion. In 2024 Kristen was appointed to monitor the implementation of recommendations of Queensland’s Fire Services cultural review.
The members of the Cultural Review team share extensive experience in workplace cultural reform, equal opportunity, leadership, and diversity and inclusion.
PENDING
In Progress
COMPLETE
March–May 2025
During this phase, the Cultural Review team will be set up and the review’s scope will be mapped out. This will include receiving formal ethics approval before we engage with the workforce. The ethics process helps to ensure that the Review is established in a way that protects the participation of staff and that proper support mechanisms are in place.
This phase will also focus on building a baseline understanding of the organisational context and current policies procedures and systems.
PENDING
In Progress
COMPLETE
June–September 2025
During this phase, we will consult with current and some former members about their experiences in the New South Wales Police Force. In addition to site visits at locations across the state, we will also conduct a workforce survey, interviews, informal listening sessions and accept written submissions.
In parallel, we will consult with relevant expert stakeholders to seek their views on the current workplace culture and opportunities for reform.
PENDING
In Progress
COMPLETE
October–December 2025
During this phase, we will analyse the data we have gathered, including survey responses and contributions from interviews, focus groups and written submissions, to develop our findings and formulate our recommendations for change.
We will also begin drafting our final report.
PENDING
In Progress
COMPLETE
December 2025–February 2026
During this phase, we will consult with New South Wales Police Force leadership on our recommendations and deliver our final report.
Throughout the Cultural Review, we’ll be sharing monthly updates about our progress. If you would like to receive these updates via email, please subscribe below (or view our privacy policy).