Sustainable Acoustics shortlisted and win John Connell ‘Noise Oscars’ Awards
Updated: Oct 18
We at Sustainable Acoustics are pleased to share that we have been shortlisted in the soundscape category for the John Connell ‘Noise Oscars’ awards! Here is a summary of what we did to deserve it.
This was in recognition of the approach and early findings of our ongoing project with Thames Valley Police, where the innovative application of acoustics and emerging soundscape techniques are resulting the creation of a more mentally and physically supportive working environment for police officers.
With the prestigious John Connell Awards ceremony now having taken place on at the Palace of Westminster, we will be attended in the company of representatives Thames Valley Police and Rt Hon Danny Chambers MP, who is our local MP and the Liberal Democrats nominated parliamentary spokesperson for mental health.
Learn more about this ground-breaking project in the remainder of this post!
Contents:
Acoustic Baseline and Interventions at Maidenhead Police Station – Staff Well-being Pilot
Nature of the Noise Problem
Thames Valley Police (TVP) Maidenhead Police Station report experiencing significant issues with noise, especially in the Integrated Communications Room (ICR), interview rooms, and the canteen in their Maidenhead HQ. The open-plan nature of the police station areas led to high noise levels, causing distraction, lack of privacy, and difficulty in communication. The interview rooms lacked sufficient sound insulation, and the canteen environment was not conducive to relaxation and good social due to the high noise levels.
Approach to Understanding the Problem
A novel approach was taken to assess the baseline as it was suspected the problem was not solely noise related. Using traditional acoustics but also, in recognition of the non-acoustic effects, the use of soundscape techniques and biometrics we created an evidence-based from which converged and led to propose interventions aimed at improving staff well-being and improving thier interactions with victims. Sustainable Acoustics worked with The Behaviour Unit of Thames Valley Police to develop a hybrid questionnaire which combined annoyance assessment with internal soundscape frameworks and self-reported health and Neuro-atypical occurrence.
The pilot study conducted over a week in November 2023 during normal operations focused on evaluating the acoustic environment and its impact on staff wellbeing. The approach included:
Acoustic Measurements: Objective acoustic parameters were measured against standards such as BS8233:2014 and ISO BN 22955:2021.
Qualitative Questionnaire: 64 staff members provided self-reported data on their experiences regarding noise.
Biometric Data: Wearable biometric devices tracked the physiological responses (e.g., heart rate) of 34 staff members during their shifts
Description of the Solution
Based on the findings, ten acoustic and non-acoustic design priorities were identified, leading to proposed interventions expected to provide multiple benefits, which include:
Acoustic Design Improvements: Enhancing soundproofing in interview rooms and creating designated quiet spaces within the ICR to reduce distractions and improve privacy.
Flexible Workspace Configuration: Introducing flexible furniture solutions to balance collaborative and focused workspaces.
Technological Enhancements: Ensuring reliable technology infrastructure to support seamless workflows.
Environmental Comfort: Addressing thermal comfort issues and promoting workplace cleanliness and etiquette.
The figures below show some of the soundscape perceptual responses for different-sized groups of staff as a fully inclusive baseline (including 19% self-reported as being neurodiverse).
Timespan of the Project
The project spanned over the past 48 months, starting with initial planning and workshops, and included a focused one-week study in November 2023. The interventions are designed for implementation, with plans for post-works re-evaluation to measure the impact on staff well-being.
The pilot is hoped to inform design advice for future refurbishments of stations in Thames Valley Police, with Slough refurbishment already having been influenced. The potential and opportunity is to embed the interventions into the design of all new police stations, having a very significant benefit to health and well-being of staff, retention and performance.
Evidence of Impact
The study highlighted several key findings:
Self-Reported Soundscape & Wellbeing: Noise was identified as a significant factor affecting staff wellbeing (in the top three), with many reporting stress and exhaustion related to noise levels. Privacy issues in the interview rooms and high noise levels in the canteen were also noted and have been acted upon with reported improvements to perception anecdotally already.
Objective Acoustic Data: Measurements confirmed that noise levels in the ICR were above recommended standards, leading to a noisy and distracting environment.
Biometric Data: Preliminary analysis suggested a correlation between noise levels and physiological stress markers, such as increased heart rate. Further analysis is required to establish a definitive link but use as a baseline to check variance after interventions will be expected to be objectively useful as a third strand of evidence.
Community Benefits
The proposed interventions aim to create a more supportive and productive working environment for police officers, enhancing their ability to serve the community more effectively. By improving the acoustic environment, the project supports the mental and physical well-being of the staff, potentially leading to better performance and more empathetic engagement with the public.
Noise Education
Educational initiatives will be implemented to raise awareness about the impact of noise on well-being and the importance of a balanced acoustic environment. This includes promoting proper workspace usage and etiquette to maintain a conducive working atmosphere.
Multi-Agency/Stakeholder Approach
The project involved collaboration with acoustic experts, senior police staff, and other stakeholders to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing the noise problem. Workshops and discussions with staff provided valuable insights that shaped the interventions.
Sustainability
The interventions are designed with sustainability in mind, focusing on long-term improvements to the working environment holistically and to create equitable, inclusive and regenerative work environments. The flexible workspace configurations and technological enhancements are intended to adapt to future needs and changes, ensuring ongoing benefits for staff well-being and for the re-use and optimisation of existing building stock.
This project stands as a shining example of how an innovative application of acoustics and emerging soundscape techniques can lead to solutions and community cooperation that can address noise pollution issues but ultimately create a better working environment for Thames Valley Police, setting a precedent for future initiatives in similar settings that could have far-reaching benefits for the future of policing.