Recovery Workshop

The LRF can only be effect if it trains and exercise together.  In doing so, the partners learn and develop as a collective to be better and more effective for future incidents.

To assist the partnership, there are a suite of multi-agency plans that help us prepare, help during response and to recover.  These plans are tested for their effectiveness by training and exercising together.

In November 2024, Wiltshire and Swindon LRF (WSLRF) joined for a Recovery Workshop. Recovery is the post incident work to enable affected communities to return to the ‘new normal’. Recovery will change dramatically depending on what the incident was.  It is considered from the point the incident starts with the aim to support people, communities and the environment to return to life pre incident. Many elements are considered during the recovery process, the main areas of focus will be people, health, economy, environment and communications. 

During the Recovery Workshop, we had members from all levels of organisations.  There were Strategic Senior Officers who would be leading the high level and financial decisions. Tactical officers attended who would be implementing the aim and objectives of the Recovery Group as well as members who would sit on various sub-groups that will cover the main areas of focus. These groups were divided onto separate tables for the workshop.

The day was a mix of 5 speakers from other LRFs, national organisations and colleges who shared their experiences of recovery.  The talks outlined three main tasks being the handover process from response to recovery, the recovery structure and how issues and tasks are prioritised by the different groups. We took time for each table to feedback on their opinions leading to further discussions and input. 

The Recovery Workshop will lead to changes being made to the recovery processes and the Recovery Guide. Those new to recovery were able to learn in a safe environment and raise questions and ideas.  The Workshop developed confidence for individuals for when they will be involved in recovery at future incidents.