The Emergencies Partnership was created in 2018, following the experience of the Grenfell Tower fire, 2017 terror attacks, and rural flooding across the country.
The VCS Emergencies Partnership (EP) was created in 2018 in response to a series of major incidents the previous year, including the Grenfell Tower fire, terror attacks in Manchester and London, and rural flooding across the country.
It was recognised that improved coordination between voluntary and community sector (VCS) organisations and public sector partners was needed to better understand and support communities during emergency responses.
The EP provides the VCS, emergency services, local councils and other important partners with opportunities for connection and collaboration - before, during and after emergencies - so people and communities are always at the heart, from the start.
The result is a growing and diverse ‘network of networks’ - a community of organisations, each with their own networks, committed to working together to better understand the needs of communities and offer informed and personalised support to those affected by emergencies.
We are hosted by the British Red Cross, who provide us with a range of support including IT, HR, and systems support and are co-chaired by the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action (NAVCA) and the British Red Cross.
Our Partnership history, at a glance
Since the Emergencies Partnership’s creation in 2018 there have been several local, national, and global crises that have required coordination of the voluntary and community sector.
2018
VCSEP Formed
15 partners came together based on learning that as a sector we needed to work with statutory partners to offer a more coordinated support to those impacted by emergencies in the aftermath of the Grenfell Tower fire, the Manchester Arena and London Bridge Terror attacks. Co-chaired by the National Association for Voluntary and Community Action and the British Red Cross
2019
Whaley Bridge Dam
Sharing communication
Sharing situational awareness
2020
COVID-19
Significant funding received by DCMS led to establishing a dedicated partnership team
Launching Request for Support online tool
Setting up five multi-agency cells across England; bringing together local, regional and national organisations to share intelligence, support and resources – partnership grew to 250 organisations
Launching the National Volunteering Coordination Cell (NVCC) to respond to large scale requests for volunteers
Weekly national network opportunities sharing insights and real time response information
Launching our first online insights tool, a web map, with thanks to the British Red Cross, that layers areas of heightened vulnerability with support services, and enables targeted operational outreach.
Coordinating the meeting of identified unmet need
Sharing good practice and emerging gaps (ongoing)
Stranded HGV Drivers
Connecting organisations who stepped up to feed hungry lorry drivers who were stranded in Dover following port closure
2021
Storm Christoph
Coordinating with partners for volunteers to assist with evacuation
Testing of insights platform in a live situation
Launching of Risk Indicator Portal that uses flooding data from the Environment Agency to provide our teams with live information and planning assistance.
COVID-19
Coordinating testing and vaccination support
Connecting partners with at-risk communities
Offering mental Health and social support through partners collaborating together
Creating new digital tools to help voluntary and community sector groups identify, understand, and map issues and develop appropriate responses
Afghan arrivals
Coordinating the immediate support and ongoing wrap around care
Testing of surplus donated goods pilot
Storm Arwen
Sharing situational awareness
Coordinating community activation
2022
Storms Eunice and Franklin
Sharing situational awareness
Sharing information in real-time
Coordinating community activation
Omicron variant (COVID-19
Coordinating booster vaccination support
Russia Ukraine War
Preparedness for surge in Ukranian refugees
Development of the community sponsorship programme
Preparing for downstream impact of a war (cyber security and exacerbation of food/fuel poverty)
We remain c. 250 organisations, who are committed to offering a person-centred, co-ordinated response before, during and after an emergency.
Examples of the Partnership in action
MARCH 2022
In 2022, the war in Ukraine led to refugees coming to the UK and unparalleled offers of support from the public. The VCS Emergencies Partnership engaged with the UK national government and played a key role, relaying protocols, support mechanisms and ensuring coordination amongst statutory groups who were overwhelmed with offers of support but unsure how to link these offers with the necessary services.
JANUARY 2021
In 2021, flooding hit Warrington. The year previously, the VCS Emergencies Partnership had undertaken a scenario planning exercise in conjunction with the Hindu Community Centre, Cheshire Search and Rescue and the Environment Agency. When the flooding did strike, community members had plans on how to get help and how to support the vulnerable. This enabled community groups to connect with support mechanisms in the local council and played a huge role in ensuring a calm and organised response particularly amongst groups who would not have traditionally accessed these types of services.
DECEMBER 2020
In December 2020, Medway Council requested support from the VCS Emergencies Partnership to help launch five COVID-19 testing centres. Our system and set of relationships enabled us to mobilise at pace and scale. Medway Voluntary Action has a well-established and close working relationship with relevant council departments and were able to draw on the additional capability of national organisations RE:ACT and Rotary Great Britain & Ireland to provide enough volunteers. Medway tested 32,000 people within two weeks before December ended. Volunteers brokered through our network were essential in aiding the council and Armed Forces to launch and develop the testing programme.