NWAS predetermined attendance for Major Incidents
North West Ambulance Service should review its Major Incident Response Plan to consider whether it should be updated to include a predetermined attendance for Major Incidents.
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
Before the Inquiry's Volume 2 report was released, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) introduced a Predetermined Attendance (PDA) in January 2021. A PDA is an advance agreement regarding what resources will need to be mobilised in the case of a major incident. PDA is mandated through the Incident Response Plan (IRP), annual commander training and visually displays through the Emergency Operations Centre. This has been used in recent exercises and shown to be effective.
Before the Inquiry's Volume 2 report was released, North West Ambulance Service (NWAS) introduced a Predetermined Attendance (PDA) in January 2021. A PDA is an advance agreement regarding what resources will need to be mobilised in the case of a major incident. PDA is mandated through the Incident Response Plan (IRP), annual commander training and visually displays through the Emergency Operations Centre. This has been used in recent exercises and shown to be effective.
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.