London Fire Brigade strategic response arrangements (Gold Command)

Question 1

What are the seven core structures that make up the Brigade’s SRA?

Answer 1

1. Commissioner’s Continuity Group (CCG)
2. Duty Assistant Commissioner (AC1)
3. Gold Commander (Fire) (GC)
4. Brigade Coordination Centre (BCC)
5. Brigade Coordinating Manager (BCM)
6. Gold Support Team (GST)
7. Continuity Management Team (CMT)

Question 2

As a general rule, when will the decision to activate the SRA be taken if the Brigade declares a Major Incident?

Answer 2

One or more of the following conditions will normally apply:

1. The incident, event or situation requires an enhanced level of management coordination
2. The incident, event or situation poses a serious threat to human welfare
3. The incident, event or situation threatens serious damage to the environment
4. The incident, event or situation constitutes as an act of war or terrorism and threatens human welfare, the environment and/or national security
5. The incident, event or situation threatens the organisation’s ability to perform its critical functions.

Question 3

What are the two key mechanisms through which Brigade officers may be notified of a major incident?

Answer 3

1. via Brigade Control
2. via the London Resilience Partnership

Question 4

What should staff representing the Brigade at Borough Resilience Forums ensure they have copies of ?

Answer 4

Borough communications plans and have up-to-date details for all key contacts.

Question 5

With regards to situational awareness at SRG’s, what is a key component of effective information sharing?

Answer 5

Common Operational Picture

Question 6

What does a common Operational Picture provide?

Answer 6

This then allows appropriate and integrated planning to be undertaken within, and across, organisations. It also allows resource requirements to be determined and secured, and the effectiveness of response actions to be monitored and adapted as required.

Question 7

What system does the Brigade use for internal situation reports, to help ensure a common operational picture?

Answer 7

SitRep

Question 8

What should a COP summarise with regards to external situation reports for partner agencies?

Answer 8

1. Incident impacts on partner agencies
2. Key response/recovery actions implemented
3. Future activities planned and horizon scan for future impacts.
4. It will also include details of agreed partnership strategies and relevant information, advice and guidance in order to facilitate a consistent and coordinated multi-agency response.

Question 9

What is the key purpose of the Commissioner’s Continuity Group?

Answer 9

Provide strategic support, direction, advice and guidance to the duty AC1, nominated Gold Commander (Fire) and Continuity Management Team, and to maintain a strategic overview of all the Brigade’s functions, including those not directly affected by the incident, throughout the event(s)

Question 10

What is the key purpose of the BCC functional cells?

Answer 10

To maintain an accurate record of the current disposition and availability of all LFB resources including: appliances, personnel, equipment and consumables.

Question 11

What is the key purpose of the BCC functional cells - Operations cell?

Answer 11

To gather operational intelligence in order to provide support for incidents currently underway, and maintain an overview of the current phase, pace and tactical mode of operations at incidents across the Brigade.

Question 12

What is the key purpose of the BCC functional cells - Communications cell?

Answer 12

To assist in the effective delivery of the Brigade’s internal (FRS/operational staff) and external (media/partner agencies) communications and information sharing strategies as agreed by the Commissioner’s Continuity Group.