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 is a multi-agency group responsible for setting the strategic direction for the LRF. It is chaired by the Chief Fire Officer of County Durham and Darlington Fire and Rescue Service, with Durham Constabulary, as the vice chair. Membership of the group consists of Chief Executive level officers from Category 1 responders and other key LRF partners such as the military and the voluntary sector. Provides strategic direction to ensure local resilience in line with the requirements of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, ensuring coordination, resourcing and accountability for the LRF work programme from all LRF partners.
Tactical Business Group
The Tactical Business Group has responsibility for implementing the direction set by the Strategic Board and is effectively the “engine room” of the LRF. They meet four times a year and involve a wider group of stakeholders from across the relevant working groups.
Risk Assessment Working Group
The group is to provide a forum for partners to share knowledge and expertise on key risks, and identify an appropriate course for action. The group conducts regular reviews of the National Security Risk Assessment (NSRA) in line with Cabinet Office Guidance and applying to local and regional risks as appropriate.
Death Management Group
The Death Management Group provides a safe forum where key partners can come together and build relationships with stakeholders within the deceased pathway across County Durham and Darlington. The group meets as required during an incident involving mass fatalities excess deaths to coordinate response.
Community Resilience Group
The principal aim of the group is to provide a forum whereby community resilience can be developed across the County Durham and Darlington LRF area. Working within the parameters of HM Government’s Community Resilience Framework.
Warning and Informing Group
The Warning and Informing Group is a multi-agency group responsible for warning and informing the public before, during and after emergencies and of risks affecting them and how to prepare and respond to emergencies.
Voluntary Emergency Liaison Group
VELG members have a proud history of supporting the emergency services in the response to a wide range of incidents. Members can be activated, tasked and deployed directly by blue light services, although traditionally they are activated through the Civil Contingencies Unit duty officer. The group promotes cooperation between the Voluntary Sector and CDDLRF, before, during and after an emergency incident.
Training and Exercising Group
This group is a multi-agency group responsible for the coordination of multi-agency training and exercise activity within County Durham and Darlington. The group develops relevant training and exercising packages for members of the LRF and considers best use of collective resources to join up activities in support of our joint learning principles (JESIP).