Date of Request
24/05/25
Request
Dear Sir / Madam,
I am conducting a study of multi-agency emergency preparedness.
Under the provisions of the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am writing to request the following information:
1. How many multi-agency exercises have been conducted by your organisation within the last 3 years (1st May 2022 to 30th April 2025 inclusive).
2. What proportion of these multi-agency exercises were:
i. Tabletop / Scenario Based
ii. Live Exercises
iii. Other (please state).
3. Please detail how post-exercise findings are fed back into the organisation and how any changes to policies and procedures are implemented as a result of this feedback.
4. What proportion of multi-agency exercises in the last 3 years:
i. Involved more than two CCA 2004 category one responder organisations (please detail) ii. Involved CCA 2004 category two responders (please detail) iii. Involved organisations from the voluntary and faith based sectors (please detail).
5. Please detail how the aims and objectives of the exercise are determined and communicated to the parties involved.
Yours faithfully,
Response
Hi
We thank you for your request for information, which has been received by Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (the Service) and considered under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) 2000
The Service can confirm that the information that you have requested is held as follows:
1. How many multi-agency exercises have been conducted by your organisation within the last 3 years (1st May 2022 to 30th April 2025 inclusive).
90
2. What proportion of these multi-agency exercises were:
i. Tabletop / Scenario Based
ii. Live Exercises
iii. Other (please state).
The Service does not record this information.
3. Please detail how post-exercise findings are fed back into the organisation and how any changes to policies and procedures are implemented as a result of this feedback.
At the exercises ‘Hot’ debriefs are carried out and following this, electronic debriefs with Operational learning or Good practice are sent to our debrief management system. Within the debrief system learning raised is categorised, given a risk rating, actions required are assigned and evidence of rationale & changes made are all documented. Once actions have been carried out, the debrief submitted will then be completed and closed. Good practice raised will also be communicated in a similar way utilising the debrief system to cement these good practices and praise accordingly.
4. What proportion of multi-agency exercises in the last 3 years:
i. Involved more than two CCA 2004 category one responder organisations (please detail)
ii. Involved CCA 2004 category two responders (please detail)
iii. Involved organisations from the voluntary and faith based sectors (please detail).
The Service does not record this information.
5. Please detail how the aims and objectives of the exercise are determined and communicated to the parties involved.
Our Local Service Procedure states that the exercises are to incorporate station based risk and equipment. During planning there is consideration to crew competency, procedural changes, new equipment and changes to local risks. Specific training outcomes are identified in line with the Response strategy’s core foundations – Availability, Competence and Intel. Notification of Exercise forms are distributed to all attendees prior to the exercise to ensure salient points are covered, including aims and objectives. Prior to exercises, an Exercise brief will be carried out for all personnel attending to reinforce expectations and highlight any Health and Safety considerations.
If you have any questions regarding your request, please contact Information Governance and Committee Services on tel: 0345 122 4454 or by e-mail informationrequests@hwfire.org.uk. In any such communication please include the reference number assigned (see Subject).
Should you have any queries regarding the management of your request and wish to make either a complaint or request a review of the information disclosed to you, please do so by using Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service’s complaints system: Comments and Complaints. This must be done within 40 working days of our response to your request. After this date and in line with ICO guidance the Service is not obliged to provide an internal review of your request.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of the internal review, you may appeal the decision by contacting the Information Commissioner, Wycliffe House, Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AF, Tel: 0303 123 1113 (alternatively 01625 545745) or E-mail: casework@ico.org.uk.
Further information on Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service may be viewed at the Service’s website: www.hwfire.org.uk
Thank you for your request for information.
Information Governance Team