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Progress Report - July 2002

Executive Summary

In the course of our work, the NSC has become increasingly aware of the proliferation of new technological concepts in the field of communications, public warning and information; and of the development of various innovative projects and schemes in different parts of the UK. It is our intention to complement these activities and bring them to the attention of the wider community, and to ensure that we do not try to "re-invent the wheel" or duplicate the efforts of other agencies and organisations.

Three excellent examples are currently gathering momentum. First, the BBC initiative "Connecting in a Crisis", referred to in the body of this report and introduced by Rosanna Briggs, Chairman of our Media Issues group at the Annual Conference of the Emergency Planning Society in July. The NSC has played a key role in the development of national guidelines for BBC broadcasting outlets, and for the wider emergency planning community, to ensure the public have the information they need during a civil emergency.

Second, the publication of the report of the Media Emergency Forum Joint Working Party entitled "9/11: Implications for Communications" which considers how we would cope in the UK should such a catastrophic incident happen here.

Third, the major project launched by the Environment Agency and Met Office in partnership with Redcar and Cleveland Council to develop and implement the UK's first integrated multi-media warning system designed to increase the number of individuals and organisations who receive timely and effective warnings of severe weather. The involvement of NSC Chairman David Hay on the project board of this initiative will ensure that the NSC maintains an active and constructive interest.

We look forward to drawing attention to similar projects in future progress reports, and in recognition of the great interest in this whole area, the NSC is currently planning a major workshop and "trade exhibition" at the Cabinet Office Emergency Planning College at Easingwold in the Summer of 2003. This is intended to provide three things: a forum for those with a professional interest in the provision of public warning and information, an opportunity for private companies and communications practitioners etc to present their technical solutions and schemes to a wide audience, and an opportunity for the College to open its doors to new, potential customers.

The NSC recognises the rapidly changing backdrop against which it is working; particularly the on-going Government Review of Emergency Planning, and the likelihood of a new Civil Contingencies Bill in the relatively near future, perhaps even the creation of a new agency for emergency management which could take over from the NSC and provide a lead role in such areas as public education. Until such fundamental issues are resolved, we will continue to present our thoughts and recommendations, prioritise them and make appropriate recommendations.

To date, we have been able to identify some common themes and recurring issues which demand attention and need to be considered corporately rather than in isolation. We have, therefore, endeavoured to reflect such an approach by setting out a summary of our main conclusions and recommendations, and supplementing this with a consolidated list of all of the key recommendations contained in the body of this progress report.