Improve GMP Major Incident record-making
Greater Manchester Police should reflect on its approach to record-making during and immediately following a Major Incident, with a view to improving the current practice.
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
CTPHQ/Plato Recommendation Review In June 2023, CTPHQ commenced a proactive and supplementary review of Volume 2 recommendations. This review enabled formal monitoring of developments around specific recommendations owned within other business areas or work strands, to take into account any interdependencies whilst ensuring CTPHQ guidance and process was updated appropriately if required. This review is now complete. This work strand has been closed via Multi-Agency Governance September 2024. GMP has taken a pragmatic approach to record making during a Major Incident as there is no single national position. Officers in key roles, including Commanders are directed to record their actions, decisions and rationale using Body Worn Video or Digital Encrypted Dictaphones. Commanders also use a loggist to record this information on the Clio database. GMP's Major Incident Plan directs Commanders to record an evidential statement subject to caveats such as Post Incident Procedures or where there is an IOPC or Professional Standards Branch Investigation.
CTPHQ/Plato Recommendation Review In June 2023, CTPHQ commenced a proactive and supplementary review of Volume 2 recommendations. This review enabled formal monitoring of developments around specific recommendations owned within other business areas or work strands, to take into account any interdependencies whilst ensuring CTPHQ guidance and process was updated appropriately if required. This review is now complete. This work strand has been closed via Multi-Agency Governance September 2024. GMP has taken a pragmatic approach to record making during a Major Incident as there is no single national position. Officers in key roles, including Commanders are directed to record their actions, decisions and rationale using Body Worn Video or Digital Encrypted Dictaphones. Commanders also use a loggist to record this information on the Clio database. GMP's Major Incident Plan directs Commanders to record an evidential statement subject to caveats such as Post Incident Procedures or where there is an IOPC or Professional Standards Branch Investigation.
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).
JESIP Joint Doctrine updated to v3.1 (April 2024) following inquiry findings on interoperability failures. Operation Plato reformed to cover all terrorist attack types, not just firearms. Emphasis extended beyond command-level to frontline responders.
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.