| National Capabilities Survey 2006 results published
The results of this year’s National Capabilities Survey have now been published, with the headline findings as follows: * The UK has a good level of preparedness overall. Where comparisons can be made with the more limited 2003 mapping exercise the local response results demonstrate clear signs of improvement in specific areas, such as in planning to respond to a human influenza pandemic. * Preparedness for less clear-cut eventualities is well developed: 'generic' capabilities (for example: against the event of a chemical, biological or radiological (CBR) incident; for urban search & rescue tasks) have benefited from investment and heightened interest. * Likewise, multi-agency cooperation seems to have benefited from emphasis on partnership in the Civil Contingencies Act: for example in local authorities' plans to assist NHS in dealing with mass casualties and mass fatalities; and cooperation also with DEFRA/State Veterinary Services in dealing with infectious animal diseases. * Although planning for emergencies at the local level is well-established and has improved significantly, there is scope for making the review and exercise of plans more systematic. * Within the essential service workstreams there is a good level of business continuity and crisis management. Planning for specific scenarios is also good but less developed than generic planning. * There is little regional variation in preparedness; however there are differences at the local level within regions. This suggests that there are more significant differences in the challenges faced at a local level within any given region, than between regions. * Central government's core response capabilities are well-developed. Departmental business continuity plans are in place and are being exercised.
•Date: 8th Nov 2006• Region: UK •Type: Article •Topic: Public sector |
