Recommendation MAI-32: Train GMFRS commanders in operational discretion
From Manchester Arena Inquiry: Volume 2: Emergency Response, published 3 November 2022.
Recommendation
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service should ensure that its commanders are adequately trained in the use of operational discretion.
In brief (written by this site)
In February 2026, the Cabinet Office reported that delivery remained in progress, explaining that operational discretion was being reviewed nationally and commanders continued to operate under National Operational Guidance pending any revisions (Cabinet Office, Feb 2026). The department had previously recorded the same update in November 2025, when the UK Government confirmed that the recommendation was accepted in full (Cabinet Office response, Nov 2025; Cabinet Office, Nov 2025).
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.
Government response
Accepted in full
Delivery
Cabinet Office says in progress (27 February 2026)
Operational Discretion is currently being reviewed nationally. Until such a time this is revised, all commanders continue to operate under National Operational Guidance (NOG).
Earlier statement on delivery (1)
Cabinet Office (14 November 2025)
Operational Discretion is currently being reviewed nationally. Until such a time this is revised, all commanders continue to operate under National Operational Guidance (NOG).
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