Training and Exercising - Norland Series of Exercises

Norland Series of Exercises

NORLAND Series 2008 Exercise Calendar

The Northumbria Multi-Agency Exercise Planning Group (NMAEPG) devises the Norland Series of exercises. This group is represented by Tyne and Wear Emergency Planning Unit, Local Authorities, Northumbria Police, North East Ambulance Service, Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service and the Health Protection Agency (Category 1 responders) as well as a number of Category 1 and 2 responders and other cooperating bodies, where appropriate.

• The Norland Series forms the basis for cooperation and integration between all Category 1 and Category 2 responders and provides a forum for emergency responders to prepare for their role in a major incident.

• The Exercises are designed to reveal the specialist knowledge of syndicate members and to highlight the role each agency has to play in a major incident, together with the inter-dependence of each agency with another.

• The Norland Exercise program is based on an annual ‘theme’ which is delivered, individually, to all five councils in Tyne and Wear (as well as Northumberland). The theme which has formed the basis for previous scenarios has covered incidents such as toxic releases; chemical spills; train crashes; terrorist attacks; oil pollution; air craft accidents; fairground accidents and major power failures.

• The Norland Series, of which there have been 60 to date, has been established since 1996.

• The name “Norland” originated from a fictional urban area, Norton MBC, within the metropolitan area of Norland, which was previously used a template for the exercises. Scenarios are now based on actual sites and locations but the Norland name has been retained for consistency and identity.

• As a result of partnership working in Norland Exercises all organisations involved have developed closer links, and now commonly share resources and information to ensure the success of all joint ventures.

• Evaluation reports from Norland Exercises are produced and findings analysed, to identify improvements to arrangements, amendments to plans and highlight future training needs.