Advice to voluntary groups
During a major incident, the emergency services and local authority may call upon voluntary organisations to assist in the response. The local authority coordinates the voluntary groups.
To ensure good practice and working relationships within Berkshire there is a Berkshire Emergency Support Group ‘ESOG’. This is group includes some of the voluntary agencies based in Berkshire who meet to discuss plans and how they may be able to support the local community in an emergency.
Membership comprises:
- Thames Valley Police (also representing Berkshire religious groups)
- South Central Ambulance Service
- Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue
- Berkshire Local Authorities
- British Red Cross
- Hampshire and Berkshire 4 x 4 Response
- RAYNET – Radio Amateurs Emergency Network
- RSPCA – Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
- Royal Voluntary Service
- Berkshire Rescue
- St John Ambulance.
ESOG’s policy document sets out what the voluntary organisations can offer in terms of staff, services, equipment and skills in the event of an incident in Berkshire, as well as outlining the necessary requirements to safely support the emergency response.
For more information please contact emergencyplanning@slough.gov.uk.