Each of our working groups play a very important role in the joint work that we do. All groups report into the Tactical Business Group which is held once a quarter across the financial year, with updates given by the working group chairs.
Strategic Board
The Strategic Board provides overall leadership and strategic direction for the Local Resilience Forum (LRF), ensuring it meets the requirements of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. Chaired by the Chief Fire Officer and supported by senior leaders from emergency services, local authorities, the military, voluntary sector and other key partners, it oversees priorities, resources and accountability across the LRF.
Tactical Business Group
The Tactical Business Group puts the Strategic Board’s priorities into action and oversees the delivery of the LRF’s work programme. Meeting quarterly, it brings together partner agencies and working group leads to monitor progress, manage issues and risks, and ensure activities support the LRF’s strategic objectives.
Risk Assessment Working Group
The Risk Assessment Group brings together partner agencies to share information and identify current and emerging risks affecting the area. It reviews national and local risk information to help ensure effective planning, preparedness and risk management across the LRF.
Death Management Group
The Death Management Group brings together partner agencies to plan and coordinate arrangements for managing fatalities across County Durham and Darlington. During a mass fatalities or excess deaths incident, it supports a coordinated multi-agency response to ensure the deceased are managed with dignity and that bereaved families are supported.
Community Resilience Group
The Community Resilience Group works with partner agencies and local communities to strengthen and promote resilience across County Durham and Darlington. It supports communities to understand local risks, improve preparedness, and develop plans and resources to respond effectively to emergencies.
Warning and Informing Group
The Warning and Informing Group helps ensure the public receives clear, timely and consistent information before, during and after emergencies. It brings together communications and resilience professionals to coordinate messaging, improve community preparedness, and maintain public confidence during incidents.
Voluntary Emergency Liaison Group
The Voluntary Emergency Liaison Group brings together voluntary organisations and partner agencies to support emergency response and recovery across County Durham and Darlington. It helps coordinate voluntary sector resources, promotes partnership working, and ensures voluntary capabilities are integrated into local resilience planning and response arrangements.
Training and Exercising Group
The Training and Exercising Group coordinates training and exercise activities across the LRF to ensure partner organisations are prepared to respond effectively to emergencies. It develops joint training and exercises, identifies lessons learned, and helps strengthen multi-agency working and emergency response capabilities.