P2-53 Response Accepted

Plan for key worker availability in emergencies

Recommendation

That as part of their planning for emergencies local authorities give detailed consideration to the availability of key workers and the role they are expected to play so that suitable contingency arrangements can be made to ensure, as far as possible, continuity of support. (113.76)

Published Evidence Summary
The following publicly available evidence relates to this recommendation:
- The government expressed support for this recommendation directed at local authorities in February 2025, noting it refers to social workers (Government Response to Grenfell Tower Inquiry Phase 2 Report, MHCLG, February 2025).
- The government's annual report stated MHCLG continues engagement with the Department for Education and sector partners on guidance for key worker availability in emergencies (Annual Report on Progress, MHCLG, February 2026).
Sources
How was this evidence gathered?
Evidence searched by Claude (Anthropic) on 10 Apr 2026
Checked data held on this site (government responses, progress updates, independent evidence)
This recommendation applies across many organisations. The evidence above reflects central policy activity; adoption in individual organisations may vary.
Jurisdiction
England
Response
Accepted
Accepted Local Authorities
26 Feb 2025

The government supports this recommendation made towards local authorities, noting that this recommendation is made in reference to social workers. MHCLG is committed to working with the Department for Health and Social Care, the Department for Education and the Local Government Association to ensure that keyworker social work guidance is shared with the sector and that training is signposted.

Read Full Response
Progress Timeline
Official Report
01 Feb 2026

MHCLG continues engagement with sector partners to determine appropriate guidance approaches for key worker availability in emergencies. (Covers Recommendations 50-55.)

Source
Source
Inquiry Grenfell Tower Inquiry
Report Grenfell Tower Inquiry: Phase 2 Report 04 Sep 2024
View Source
Responsible Bodies
Local Authorities Primary
Themes & Tags
Emergency contingency plans Emergency Response Key Workers Local Authorities
Recommendation age 1.7 yrs
Last formal update 01 Feb 2026