Advice and benefits

Group status & limitations

The Community Group has no statutory powers; it can only make recommendations.

Membership

The group will comprise of the following membership:

Church and Faith Communities, British Red Cross, St John Ambulance, Women's Royal Voluntary Service (WRVS), Salvation Army, Radio Amateurs Network (RAYNET), Age Concern, and Local Authority Social Services Department, Emergency Management & Security Section and any other department appropriate to the business of the group.

Chair

The group will be 'chaired' by a representative from the Local Authority.

Meetings

A minimum of four meetings a year will be held. During specific periods this may be increased according to the demands of events, incidents or projects requiring review by the group.

Objectives

To promote between members of the group the principle of integrated emergency management in responding to major incidents and disasters through preparedness and co-ordinated arrangements between all relevant agencies.

To understand and appreciate the role and functions of group members, including the involvement of personnel and equipment at events and in response to major incidents or disasters.

To provide 24-hour contact numbers and assist in arranging response to any major incident or disaster across the borough.

The Community Group, whilst developing their own liaison interests, will where appropriate continue to act in accordance with the objectives and Terms of Reference of the Croydon Resilience Forum.

To report and discuss at meetings all event accidents and any incidents which have, or are likely to have, an involvement of the "group members" working, as an integrated emergency response group.

Where appropriate to promote and undertake combined member training and exercises relevant to major incident response.

To be aware of contingency arrangements and involved in exercise opportunities, for sites which require specific plans under the Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) legislation, Safety of Sports Arena Regulations, Event Safety Guide, or have major contingency plans affecting large numbers of people.(i.e. transport systems, major entertainment venues, large shopping complexes).

Where appropriate, to comment on proposed developments, which will require elements of safety in the completed project.

To provide a forum to explore, discuss, develop best practice and propose improvements and response to existing major incident and event contingency plans and procedures.

To hold a briefing quickly following each major event/incident where any member(s) is involved and make recommendations for improving safety and planning where appropriate.

To keep a written record of all formal group meetings and note actions arising from those meetings.