Recommendation MAI-35: Review GMFRS Incident Commander policy
From Manchester Arena Inquiry: Volume 2: Emergency Response, published 3 November 2022.
Recommendation
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service should review the policy by which the Incident Commander takes up the role, in light of the shortcomings I have identified in the policy in operation on 22nd May 2017.
In brief (written by this site)
In February 2026, the Cabinet Office reported that work on the recommendation remained in progress, stating that UK fire and rescue services adopt a national incident command structure based on National Operational Guidance alongside formalised command qualifications and competencies (Cabinet Office, Feb 2026). The UK Government accepted the recommendation in full in November 2025, when this same progress update was first recorded (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)
As per the previous update, there is wide evidence and supporting trend of formalised command qualifications and competencies. These include awarding bodies, such as Skills for Justice and recognised roles such as National Inter agency Liaison Officers and tactical advisors. UK Fire and Rescue Services adopt a national incident command structure based on National Operational Guidance.
Earlier statement on delivery (1)
Cabinet Office (14 November 2025)
As per the previous update, there is wide evidence and supporting trend of formalised command qualifications and competencies. These include awarding bodies, such as Skills for Justice and recognised roles such as National Inter agency Liaison Officers and tactical advisors. UK Fire and Rescue Services adopt a national incident command structure based on National Operational Guidance.
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