Cross-border ambulance training and exercising
All ambulance service trusts should undertake training and exercising with neighbouring ambulance service trusts to ensure that cross-border support is efficient and effective.
How was this assessed?
Response
Accepted
Response
AcceptedThe Home Secretary made a written statement to Parliament on 3 November 2022 following publication of Volume 2, acknowledging the findings on emergency response failures and stating the government would work with emergency services to implement improvements. The response committed to reviewing interoperability arrangements between emergency services and strengthening joint training and exercising protocols for major incidents.
Progress Timeline
Mutual aid is a specific requirement for the interoperable capabilities (Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART) and Special Operations Response Team (SORT)) and is included in the NHS Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (EPRR) Framework. Further work is to be undertaken to specifically include training and exercising with neighbouring organisations in the requirements for the wider responders. Exercising will be incorporated on an ongoing basis into specific plans that are covered by the NHS Core Standards for Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (EPRR). NHS Trusts are required to provide assurance on an annual basis to NHS England.
Mutual aid is a specific requirement for the interoperable capabilities (Hazardous Area Response Teams (HART) and Special Operations Response Team (SORT)) and is included in the NHS Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (EPRR) Framework. Further work is to be undertaken to specifically include training and exercising with neighbouring organisations in the requirements for the wider responders. Exercising will be incorporated on an ongoing basis into specific plans that are covered by the NHS Core Standards for Emergency Preparedness, Response and Resilience (EPRR). NHS Trusts are required to provide assurance on an annual basis to NHS England.
Published Evidence
Published assessments of implementation progress from inspectorates, select committees, official progress reports, and other sources. Check the source type badge to see whether each assessment is independent or government self-reported.
Government published formal Manchester Arena Inquiry recommendations dashboard on GOV.UK (14 November 2025) tracking all 149 recommendations with implementation progress updates.
Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 received Royal Assent 3 April 2025. Creates two tiers: Standard Duty (200-799 capacity) and Enhanced Duty (800+). SIA will be regulator. Not yet in force -- at least 24 months before enforcement (expected April 2027).
NPCC, Counter Terrorism Policing and College of Policing provided comprehensive updates to Sir John Saunders demonstrating "continued drive to improve collective response to terrorist incidents."
View detailed findings
Representatives working with UK Intelligence Community to address closed Volume Three recommendations. Cross-government monitoring ongoing.