People and skills

NCLO training introduced after Kerslake Report receives formal accreditation

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London Fire Brigade NCLO. Photo credit: LFB
London Fire Brigade NCLO. Photo credit: LFB

The National Control Liaison Officer training course, first introduced in 2022, is now accredited by Ofqual regulated emergency services qualifications specialists SFJ Awards.

The revamped course, which is the only one of its kind, is a requirement of control room staff assuming the role of National Control Liaison Officer (NCLO).

A primary function of the NCLO is to support the co-ordinated response to a major incident. In light of the recommendations made in the Kerslake Report, NCLO training is therefore central to improving multi-agency response efforts, says London Fire Brigade’s NCLO Course Director Shiralee Hull.

“NCLO training provides support to control room managers and multi-agency officers through extending the shared understanding and common language that supports multi-agency collaboration.

“It enables a more effective communication link throughout an incident and enables control rooms to deliver the JESIP objective of working together and to meet the support requirements required under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.”

Developed by the NILO Delivery Group and National Fire Chiefs Council amongst others, SFJ Awards accreditation now gives learners a formal recognition of their achievements as well as ensuring that certain quality standards have been met.

“SFJ Awards accreditation is an essential part of the course. We see it as a natural progression for the development and enhancement of the training, ensuring that it maintains the highest standards with independent quality assurance giving confidence to both learners and the public.”

David Higham is SFJ Awards Managing Director. He commented: “This specialist training is of vital importance to our safety and security, enabling emergency service control rooms to work together to save lives and reduce harm.

“Supporting the next phase of development of the NCLO course [through accreditation] further supports the interoperability of services, and we are delighted to have been able to contribute to this vital work.”

To find out more about the NCLO training course, click here.

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