The government accepts this recommendation. The government recognises the importance of data sharing across relevant bodies. Existing legislation, such as the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, provides a framework for emergency preparedness and response, including duties to cooperate and share information. The CCS, in its central role for civil contingencies, has a key role in supporting departments and agencies to meet these duties and embed effective data-sharing practices. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has put in place a number of arrangements to facilitate data sharing, including: ● Putting data sharing agreements in place between government departments and agencies to enable the sharing of relevant information. ● Developing data platforms to facilitate the sharing of data between organisations involved in the response. ● Establishing clear protocols for data sharing, including data security and privacy requirements. Building on this experience, the government will continue to work to improve data sharing arrangements for future emergencies. This will include: ● Reviewing existing data sharing agreements to ensure that they are fit for purpose and reflect the latest best practice. ● Developing new data sharing agreements where necessary to address gaps in coverage. ● Investing in data infrastructure to improve the speed and efficiency of data sharing. ● Strengthening data governance arrangements to ensure that data is shared safely and securely. The government is committed to ensuring that data is shared effectively between relevant bodies to support the response to future emergencies. This will help to improve situational awareness, inform decision-making, and enable a more coordinated and effective response.