The government’s latest devolution plans could reshape how policing, fire and other public services are governed across England. Simon Angelides and Dr Zoe Cookson of The Consultation Institute examine what the proposed reforms mean for accountability, public trust and why meaningful consultation will be critical to making them work.

The government has updated the National Risk Register with seven new risks that reflect the changing world with more than half of them focused on cyber and digital and says it will launch a national resilience awareness campaign later this year.

The Cabinet Office has started its five yearly review of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and looking at whether current arrangements work and the impact of changes to governance arrangements for emergency services and local authorities.

Laura Gibb, Executive Director at the Security Industry Authority, reflects on the impact of Martyn’s Law on emergency services.

The government has announced the deployment of new kit and specialist training for firefighters in England as wildfire season takes hold and temperatures rise this week.

Professional standards and modern regulation should support the fire safety system in England, says the Fire Minister as a new consultation launches about the creation of a College of Fire and Rescue.

The King’s Speech on 13 May confirmed the upcoming parliamentary programme and there is much for the emergency services to watch as police reform, NHS modernisation, fire safety and cyber resilience will see huge changes taking place.

The government has announced plans to introduce a new agreement aimed at improving the long-term health and wellbeing of firefighters, alongside fresh investment in research to better understand the risks associated with the role.

The government has published new guidance that explains how those responsible for premises and events can determine whether they fall within the scope of Martyn’s Law and how to comply with their legal duties.

UK Resilience Academy (part of the Cabinet Office) has launched a national stakeholder consultation in partnership with The Workforce Development Trust on a set of proposed standards designed to strengthen strategic capability in resilience and emergency preparedness across the UK.