English Fire and Rescue Services - Preparedness for ESN

English Fire and Rescue Services - Preparedness for ESN webinar which was hosted with one of our partner associations - TCCA and took place on 8th September 2020. 

Presented by Prof David Allen, Leeds University Business School

The University of Leeds has published a significant research report entitled Information and Communication Technologies in the Fire and Rescue Services in England. The report has a distinct focus on the UK’s Emergency Services Mobile Communications Programme (ESMCP) and the Services’ readiness for and confidence in the UK’s Emergency Services Network (ESN). 

Whilst this in-depth report is focused on Fire and Rescue Services in England, its findings will be of interest to any organisations or services around the world involved in a critical communications project or intending to migrate to a broadband-based system.   

The research, led by Professor David Allen of Leeds University Business School, was commissioned by the UK Home Office Fire Directorate and supported by ESMCP. In addition to examining factors relating to ICT in English Fire and Rescue Services, the report examines attitudes and preparations in relation to ESMCP.  Similar research into Policing was undertaken by Leeds University Business School in 2016. View the full report here.

During the webinar Professor Allen presented the key findings, and the recommendations to address highlighted issues.  Professor Allen was joined by Steve Whatson, ‎Deputy Director – ESMCP, UK Home Office to answer questions specifically related to the ESMCP and ESN, and Ian Taylor, from the UK National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) who answered questions specifically on the UK’s Fire and Rescue Services.

The presentation slides are available here.

View the Q&A document here