The feasibility of the improving fit, comfort and functionality of mounted police personal protective equipment (PPE) (HHS-2026-04)

About the Project

This project will evaluate how standard riding equipment, on-duty equipment, and public order personal protective equipment (PPE) influence the comfort, mobility, posture, task performance, and safety of mounted police officers. Mounted officers are required to perform physically demanding tasks while maintaining control of the horse, communicating with colleagues, and responding to unpredictable operational environments. However, PPE designed primarily for ground-based policing may restrict movement, alter posture, increase discomfort, or reduce functional performance when used in mounted duties. Working with regional mounted police units, the aim of this project is to evaluate how standard riding equipment, on-duty equipment and PPE, influence the comfort, mobility, and performance of officers during mounted policing tasks. It will involve a mixed-methods design incorporating movement assessments exploring the effects of dynamic and functional movement restriction on task performance along with semi-structured interviews with male and female mounted officers will explore their lived experiences of wearing PPE, including perceived effects on riding position, communication, fatigue, confidence, safety, and operational effectiveness, as well as views on design and material improvements. The project will also examine implementation feasibility through interviews with stakeholders such as PPE procurement leads, occupational health and safety managers, trainers, and senior managers. These interviews will explore organisational barriers, procurement processes, cost considerations, safety requirements, and policy factors influencing the adoption of improved PPE across UK mounted policing.

Findings will generate practical evidence to inform the design of safer, more comfortable, and more functional PPE, with potential to improve officer welfare, enhance operational performance, and contribute to future national standards for mounted police equipment.

For subject specific enquiries please contact: J.Blackburn3@hud.ac.uk

How to Apply

You must submit your application in full by Friday 19th June 2026, including the following documents:

• A motivational email as to why you wish to apply for the scholarship, stating which project you are applying for.
• A 2,000-word research proposal outlining how you plan to undertake for the research topic you are applying for. For further guidance on writing a research proposal, please refer to the following webpage: https://www.hud.ac.uk/postgraduate/research/writing-a-research-proposal/
• Full CV
• Provide copies of transcripts and certificates of all relevant academic and/or any professional qualifications.
• Provide references from two individuals – (at least one to be an academic reference) please contact your referees and ask them to send your references directly to pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk from their work email address. (references can be submitted late but must be received by 29th June 2026).
• Proof of eligibility – e.g. scan of passport photo page
• Please state the research topic number and title in the subject area of the email

Please email pgrscholarships@hud.ac.uk with queries regarding eligibility and submitting documents. Informal enquiries about individual projects should be directed to the lead supervisor listed for each project.

Type of Award: Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

Eligibility: Applications are welcome from UK applicants only; ideally with an MSc in a relevant subject area, applicants with a First-Class Honours degree may also be considered.

Location: Huddersfield

Funding: 3 years full-time research covering tuition fees and a tax-free bursary (stipend) starting at £21,805 for 2026/27.