Watch the video to find out what the ESCWG is all about
On Thursday (12 July) the Emergency Services Collaboration Working Group (ESCWG) members came together for one of their quarterly meetings.
Chaired by Philip Seccombe, Warwickshire Police and Crime Commissioner, members considered updates on the 2018/19 ESCWG Project Plan, including an update on results and analysis from the Group’s national survey of Emergency Service collaboration, thought to be the largest of its kind, and proposals to share findings with the sector via a web-based platform.
The group also received input from the Home Office who highlighted Minsters’ support for collaboration.
Plans for the group to attend and deliver a seminar on collaboration at this year’s Emergency Services Show in September were also discussed.
Background, purpose and members of ESCWG:
The ESCWG is a sector-led and government-backed group that was formed in September 2014 with support from the Home Office, Department of Health and Department for Communities and Local Government. Ministers have been clear that they want to see collaboration between the emergency services go further and faster; central to this vision is that local services are best placed to determine how to collaborate for the benefit of their communities.
Underpinned by the principle that change should be centrally supported and locally driven, the ESCWG provides strategic leadership, coordination and an overview across England and Wales to improve emergency services collaboration. The aim of the ESCWG is to facilitate and encourage greater collaboration between the emergency services in England and Wales where it will enhance efficiency, effectiveness, or public safety, with a goal to embed the principles and practices of collaboration within the sector.
The ESCWG consists of key representatives from the Association of Police and Crime Commissioners; National Police Chiefs Council; National Fire Chiefs Council; Association of Ambulance Chief Executives; the Local Government Association; the Maritime and Coastguard Agency; and the College of Policing, as well as the relevant government departments.