* Apologies for cross-posting *
Users of this listserv might be interested in attending a one-day research and policy workshop at the University of Manchester on closer working of police, fire and ambulance services, on 30th June.
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Policy momentum is gathering for ‘blue-light integration’ - the increased interoperability and closer working of Britain’s fire, police, and ambulance services. The Government’s January 2016 consultation claims a straightforward case for integration. But is it really so clear that ‘real benefits’ will accrue from ‘close collaboration’? What does ‘close collaboration’ mean in practice? Different identities and operating cultures exist across the emergency services, and sub-cultures exist within them . Closer working and co-location is already happening in many regions,
but what is the overall policy direction and operational design? Research into public administration and organizational behaviour often indicates that mergers and integrations can be complex, costly, and difficult. What kinds of organizational, managerial, cultural, and behavioural challenges does integration create?
This workshop aims to critically evaluate the prospects for blue-light integration. What are the possible costs and benefits? What models of integration and modes of governance are being suggested and implemented? What are the technological and operational challenges of closer integration? And what are the benefits of blue-light integration to emergency services providers and the public they serve?
This one-day workshop will present cutting-edge research on the latest developments and debates associated with blue-light integration and will critically explore the meaning of these ongoing and proposed changes. The workshop will be of relevance to practitioners and leaders across emergency services and local government, as well as academics and research students interested in emergency services, crime reduction, risk management, resilience, uniformed professions, public administration, healthcare, and government.
Confirmed speakers to date include:
• Professor Rachel Ashworth, Cardiff University
• Dr Sarah Charman, University of Portsmouth
• Dr Ian Hesketh, College of Policing
• Tony Hunter, Head of Operational Assurance, Greater Manchester Fire & Rescue
• Gary Keary, Brigade Secretary, FBU Greater Manchester
• Dr David Macklin, Executive Director of Operations, Yorkshire Ambulance Service
• Professor Paresh Wankhade, Edge Hill University
• Steve Williams, Former Chairman, Police Federation of England and Wales
CPD approval applied for
Attendance is free and lunch will be provided but places must be booked in advance.
To book your place on Eventbrite:
https://goo.gl/6ECZbc
Full programme details to be announced
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Leo McCann
Professor of Organisation Studies
Manchester Business School
University of Manchester
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