Speculative Notice – NATIONAL

1 Authority Details

1.1

Authority Name and Address

1.2

Address from which further information may be obtained

2 Contract Details

2.1

Title

Ext Review of CC Governance & Structures

2.2

Description of the goods or services required

7. Short description of requirement

1. BACKGROUND

1.1. The Welsh Ministers (Transfer of Functions) Order 2018 was made on 23 May 2018 and came into force on 24 May 2018.

1.2. In August 2018, the former First Minister provided formal notification on the transfer to the members of the Wales Resilience Forum and to the Chairs of the 4 Local Resilience Fora. The letter explained that the exercising of the functions would be an evolving process. It also committed to working closely with Local Resilience Fora, and individual responder agencies, to understand where the new powers could add maximum value.

1.3. In exercising these functions, Welsh Ministers will be able to play a more influential role in setting the direction and delivery of civil contingencies in Wales. With greater responsibility and accountability falling to Welsh Ministers, a structure is needed which will provides assurance that the duties are being carried out effectively, including around our response to emergencies.

1.4. In chairing the Wales Resilience Forum in October 2018, the then Cabinet Secretary for Local Government and Public Services, stated that in order to build upon the solid foundation which currently exists, and to continue to strengthen our preparedness for the challenges ahead, he would reiterate his support to revisiting the governance structures which have been in place in Wales for a number of years to ensure they remain fit for purpose.

1.5. A full review of Wales’ resilience structures and groups is required in order to identify the most effective model for delivering multi-agency emergency preparedness and response across Wales.

1.6. COVID and Yellowhammer can provide excellent examples of learning in this field, however it is imperative that the proposed model considers all aspects of civil contingencies. It has to be fit for current and emerging risks in Wales. The proposed model should work for both physical and non-physical incidents, for example a flooding incident would be physical and a cyber incident would be non-physical.

2. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

2.1. The overall aim of the review is to establish if Wales’ resilience structures and groups are operating to the most effective model of delivering multi-agency emergency preparedness and response across Wales.

2.2. The specific objectives are to:

a) To review all areas of Civil Contingencies and Emergency Planning across Wales, this includes areas where the policy is reserved, but the response to incidents in areas in or affecting Wales is still the responsibility of the Welsh Government and Welsh responders. Specifically, but not limited to a review of: the governance structures; working groups; terms of reference; membership; interoperability; risk identification, mitigation and planning.

b) To engage with the key stakeholders in the Civil Contingencies arena. This should include any responders that are named under Part 1 of the Civil Contingencies Act, those that are linked to the Local Resilience Fora, relevant third sector agencies and any other relevant stakeholders that can contribute to incidents.

c) To consider all current legislation and relevant guidance, specifically the Civil Contingency Act 2014, the statutory guidance (Emergency Preparedness) and non-statutory guidance (Emergency Response and Recovery) and its implementation in Wales (Pam Wales Response Plan). This should also include the UK Government lead review of the Civil Contingencies Act and the National Resilience Strategy, which are due to be published in Spring 2022.

d) To collate the evidence collected from stakeholders into an interim report detailing key lessons identified for future improvement. The report should consist of both rising tide situations, such as Covid and sudden impact major incidents.

e) To deliver a set of 4 workshops within the LRF areas in Wales to consult on final recommendations with key stakeholders prior to publication of final report

f) To produce a final report of recommendations that utilise both the engagement evidence from stakeholders, research of models used in other countries and ensures alignment with all current and reviewed legislation and statutory and non-statutory guidance.

NOTE: To register your interest in this notice and obtain any additional information please visit the Sell2Wales Web Site at https://www.sell2wales.gov.wales/Search/Search_Switch.aspx?ID=119035.

2.3

Notice Coding and Classification

3 Administrative Information

3.1

Reference number attributed to the notice by the contracting authority

3.2

Estimated Start of the Award Procedure

4 Other Information

4.1

Additional Information

The Welsh Government are seeking expressions of interest to participate in a tendering exercise for the provision of the services described above.

If you wish to express an interest please email CivilContingenciesReview@gov.wales providing your name and contact details together with a short company profile of no more than 200 words.

A response is required by 17:00 GMT Thursday 7th March 2022.

(WA Ref:119035)

4.2

Download Additional Documentation

4.3

Publication date of this notice