General Information
Pan-Wales Approach
The Pan-Wales Response Plan sets out the arrangements for the response to an emergency in, or affecting, Wales. Response arrangements at the local level in Wales are the same as those in England but take into account devolved functions. The CCA pays due cognisance to those organisations whose roles are devolved, including fire and rescue, and health.
The Pan-Wales approach to emergency management is an integrated framework based on the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, utilising a “Pan-Wales Response Plan” for unified coordination. It prioritises local response (subsidiarity) while utilising the Emergency Coordination Centre (Wales) [ECC(W)] for central information gathering and strategic support during major incidents, bridging devolved functions with local, regional, and national partners
Unlike England, where planning might be region-specific, Wales often employs a Pan-Wales Response Plan. This ensures a unified response across all 22 Welsh local authorities (unitary authorities) if the emergency exceeds local capabilities
Wales Resilience Framework
The purpose of this document is to set out the vision, core principles, strategic approach, priorities and outcomes for enhancing Wales’ resilience. It sets out the arrangements for effective risk management and emergency preparedness, capability building, response to and recovery from emergencies and disruptive challenge. The Framework aligns with the requirements of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and has been produced in consultation with
emergency responders in Wales. It draws on good practice and lessons learned from recent emergencies and the findings of public inquiries.
The Wales Resilience Framework is divided into three parts:
- Part 1 – the strategic context
- Part 2 – the existing resilience arrangements, and
- Part 3 – the strategic direction and priorities.
The Framework is supported by a Delivery Plan, which has been developed in conjunction with the emergency responder community to set out the priority actions that the Welsh Government and partners will take to deliver these strategic priorities.
Risk Register
The Welsh Government have developed a Wales risk register for government and responders to have an accurate and shared understanding of risks, providing firm foundations for planning and resource needs that are proportionate to the risks they face.
Key Responders
Natural Resources Wales is a key Category 1 responder, responsible for flood risk management in Wales, similar to the Environment Agency in England.
Devolution
In summary, while the law (CCA 2004) is the same, Wales operates a more centralised, devolved approach to coordination, with the Welsh Government having a more direct, active role in local resilience compared to the more decentralised approach in England.
Main Website
The Wales Resilience Programme https://www.gov.wales/wales-resilience-programme
Response Structures
Pandemic preparedness and response structures in Wales – c. 2019
Source – INQ000204014 – UK Pandemic Preparedness Organograms, dated between 2009 and 2020
The Wales Resilience Forum
The First Minister for Wales chairs the Wales Resilience Forum. It supports good communication and improves emergency planning across agencies and services.
Wales Civil Contingencies Committee
The Wales Civil Contingencies Committee (WCCC) is a high-level advisory body that brings together senior Welsh Government leaders and key stakeholders to manage strategic, pan-Wales responses to major emergencies. It acts as a central hub during crises—often acting as “Gold Command”—to coordinate, advise Ministers, and support the [Emergency Coordination Centre (Wales)] (ECC(W))
Emergency Coordination Centre Wales (ECC(W))
The Emergency Coordination Centre (Wales) (ECC(W)) is the Welsh Government’s central hub for managing responses to civil emergencies, coordinating with local responders, and briefing ministers. It ensures strategic alignment during major incidents and acts as a communication conduit for both devolved and non-devolved organisations across Wales.
Local Resilience Forums
Like England, Wales has adopted the use of Local Resilience Forums (LRFs) which bring together all responder organisations that have a duty to co-operate under the Civil Contingencies Act.
The groups also include other organisations that would respond to an emergency. Together, they ensure they prepare for emergencies by working in a coordinated and effective way.
North Wales Local Resilience Forum
Dyfed Powys Local Resilience Forum
South Wales Local Resilience Forum
The Joint Emergency Services Group
The Joint Emergency Services Group brings together all the emergency services in Wales. This includes NHS Wales, Welsh Government and armed forces at the most senior level. They consider their contribution to civil contingencies and counter-terrorism in Wales. They also address wider cross-service issues of joint interest.
Key Legislation
Key Documents
Welsh Government – Wales Resilience Framework 2025
Welsh Government – Wales Resilience Framework: Delivery Plan 2025
Other Key Documents
- Dyfed Powys Community Risk Register
- NORTH WALES COMMUNITY RISK REGISTER
- Pan-Wales Response Plan
- Resilience Understanding the interdependence between individuals and communities
- UK National Leadership for Risk Identification, Emergency Preparedness, Response and Recovery – GOV.UK
- Wales Resilience Framework: Delivery Plan 2025
Links
- A Resilient Wales – Future Generations Wales
- Prevention and long-term funding essential for community cohesion, councils say – WLGA
- Civil Contingencies
- Emergency kit checklist – NPT Council
- Emergency preparation, response and recovery | Sub-topic | GOV.WALES
- Local Resilience Forums | GOV.WALES
- NPT Prepared – NPT Council
- The North Wales Resilience Forum – Keeping You Safe – North Wales Fire And Rescue Service
- Wales Resilience | Gwent Prepared
- Wales Resilience Framework: Delivery Plan 2025
- What you can do | South Wales Local Resilience Forum