Recommendation MAI-74: NWAS predetermined attendance for Major Incidents
From Manchester Arena Inquiry: Volume 2: Emergency Response, published 3 November 2022.
Recommendation
North West Ambulance Service should review its Major Incident Response Plan to consider whether it should be updated to include a pre-determined attendance for Major Incidents.
In brief (written by this site)
The Inquiry asked North West Ambulance Service to consider predetermined attendance for major incidents. In an update published by the Cabinet Office in February 2026, the trust stated that it had introduced a Predetermined Attendance (PDA) in January 2021 before the Inquiry's report was released, noting that this is mandated through its Incident Response Plan (IRP), embedded in annual commander training, displayed in the Emergency Operations Centre, and used effectively in exercises (Cabinet Office, Feb 2026). Earlier, the UK Government recorded in November 2025 that the recommendation was accepted in full (Cabinet Office response, Nov 2025).
AI-generated summary of the record on this page, checked by a second model and automatic checks, 5 Oct 2026. The record below is the sources' own words.
Government response
Accepted in full
Delivery
Cabinet Office says completed (27 February 2026)
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.
Earlier statement on delivery (1)
Cabinet Office (14 November 2025)
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.
From: Manchester Arena Inquiry Recommendations Dashboard, original version (data file)
Published evidence
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Summary by this site of the published finding
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.
Source
Responsible bodies
Themes and tags
Who has spoken
- UK Government
Response - Cabinet Office
Delivery statement