Recommendation MAI-3: Cross-border ambulance training and exercising
From Manchester Arena Inquiry: Volume 2: Emergency Response, published 3 November 2022.
Recommendation
All ambulance service trusts should undertake training and exercising with neighbouring ambulance service trusts to ensure that cross-border support is efficient and effective.
In brief (written by this site)
The Cabinet Office reported in February 2026 that implementation was in progress, noting that mutual aid is already a specific requirement for interoperable capabilities within the NHS emergency preparedness framework (Cabinet Office, Feb 2026). The department added in February 2026 that further work remained to specifically include training and exercising with neighbouring organisations for wider responders, with exercising to be incorporated into plans covered by emergency core standards assured annually by NHS trusts (Cabinet Office, Feb 2026).
Sources
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 26 Sep 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
About this summary
This recommendation applies across many organisations. The record reflects central policy activity; adoption in individual organisations may vary.
Government response
Accepted in full
Delivery
Cabinet Office says in progress (27 February 2026)
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.
Earlier statement on delivery (1)
Cabinet Office (14 November 2025)
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.
From: Manchester Arena Inquiry Recommendations Dashboard, original version (data file)
Source
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- UK Government
Response - Cabinet Office
Delivery statement