Being a Family Liaison Officer (FLO) is a unique and important role. FLOs provide a vital link between bereaved families and investigative teams, helping to ensure information is shared effectively while supporting families through some of the most difficult times in their lives.
The nature of the role means FLOs can be exposed to highly emotional and potentially traumatic situations. Over time, this can increase the risk of stress, burnout, compassion fatigue and psychological injury if appropriate support is not available.
To help support the wellbeing of FLOs, we have been working with Devon and Cornwall Police to develop a FLO Peer Support training programme, which will be launched early 2027. The programme provides forces with everything they need to implement a sustainable and effective FLO-to-FLO peer support network, including training for both FLO Peer Support Coordinators and FLO Peer Supporters.
Our aim is to create a consistent national approach to FLO peer support and build a network of trained supporters across policing who understand the unique demands of the role.
What is FLO peer support?
FLO peer support is when FLOs use their own experiences to support colleagues who may be facing similar challenges. It is different from the specialist help you might receive from a GP, counsellor or therapist, but it can play an important role in helping people feel supported and understood.
The aim of FLO peer support is to:
- bring together people with shared experiences who can support one another
- provide timely and structured support throughout a deployment
- offer a confidential space where people feel heard, understood and accepted
- encourage open conversations about wellbeing
- recognise that everyone's experiences and perspectives are equally important
Peer support is not always about giving advice. Sometimes, simply having a safe space to talk with someone who understands the role can make a real difference.
How FLO peer support can help
FLO peer supporters understand the realities of policing culture and the particular demands of working with bereaved families. They bring lived experience of the role and can provide support from a place of understanding and empathy.
Many people find peer support helps them maintain their wellbeing and cope with challenging experiences. Peer support can:
- help you talk openly about what you are thinking and feeling
- introduce you to coping strategies that others have found helpful
- reassure you that you are not alone in your experiences
- help you feel connected to colleagues who understand the role
- encourage you to recognise your strengths and resilience
- build confidence and self-belief
- support recovery and promote long-term wellbeing
FLO peer support training
Our FLO Peer Support training programme provides forces with everything they need to establish and maintain a FLO peer support network. We will be starting our training courses early 2027 and will advertise the dates in due course.
The programme includes:
- guidance on recruiting and selecting FLO peer supporters
- communication and promotional materials to support implementation
- resources to help coordinate and record peer support activity
- ongoing guidance to support local delivery
Training is delivered online via Microsoft Teams and includes:
- FLO Peer Supporter Training – one-day course
- FLO Peer Support Coordinator Training – half-day course
- FLO Peer Support Refresher Training – half-day course
Want to learn more or register your interest for training
We’re happy to provide more information or add your names to our waiting list for training, please get in touch.
Benefits of a FLO peer support network
A FLO peer support network helps strengthen the wellbeing support already available through occupational health, wellbeing and employee support services.
By providing timely support from colleagues who understand the demands of the role, forces can help FLOs feel supported before, during and after deployments.
Ultimately, the programme aims to improve the quality, consistency and availability of support for Family Liaison Officers, helping them to stay well while carrying out this vital role.