Members
Category one and two responders
The Civil Contingencies Act clearly defines roles and responsibilities for all agencies involved in preparing for and responding to emergencies. The Act separates the various agencies into what are called Category One and Category Two responders.
Category One responders are the main agencies involved in the response to the majority of emergency situations. Category Two responders are "co-operating" bodies. They do not have the likely involvement that a category one responder has, but will undoubtedly be involved in any incident which affects their particular area.
Category one responders:
- Local authorities
- Police authorities
- Fire and rescue authorities
- British Transport Police
- Ambulance service
- NHS bodies
- Health Protection Agency
- Port Health Authority
- Environment Agency
- Maritime and Coastguard Agency
Category two responders:
- Utility companies (gas, electric, water, telecoms)
- Health and Safety Executive
- Transport operators (railway, airport etc)
- Highways Agency
- NHS North West
Voluntary sector
The voluntary sector organisations also have a key role in supporting the local authority in response to emergency situations. In Greater Manchester voluntary organisations are involved in multi-agency planning groups as well as taking part in exercises.