Building a safer future: The importance of interoperability in emergency response

Interoperability has been a buzzword in the blue-light sector for some time and is a key focus for our emergency services and their industry partners, both determined to drive tangible improvements in public safety outcomes. Despite this focus, interoperability often means different things to different people. Is interoperability police forces who share a border working together? Is interoperability police, fire and ambulance services in the same geographical area working together? Or, is it appropriate and relevant data being shared across the government, blue-light and third sectors?  

The answer? All of the above. 

The challenge around interoperability is not necessarily technical complexity. In today’s world, our data is shared and linked across organisations and platforms seamlessly, often to the point where we don’t realise it’s happening. PayPal checkouts or logging in to third parties with Google account details are prime examples of this. However, tighter restrictions around sensitive data make it much harder to exploit its potential value in the public sector. Add to this the fast-paced, risk saturated nature of cross-agency collaboration for public safety agencies, and the challenge is even more complex.  

We no longer need to ‘prove’ interoperability. Widely reported cases in the media, such as the findings of the public inquiry into the Manchester Arena attack, are stark reminders that holistic views would enable better emergency service care and response. In a truly interoperable world, data sharing would allow the blue-light sector to view a response call in the context of an individual, rather than just a singular incident. This shift could lead to significant public safety benefits, where resources could be deployed more effectively, reducing the risk of duplicate or repeated demand. Action would be assigned to the correct teams, facilitating the sector move to Right Care, Right Person. And, most importantly, those in distress or vulnerable situations who have reached out to the emergency services would get a complete, human-centred service. 

So, if that’s the utopia, how do we get there? 

It won’t be easy, and the goal should always be making iterative moves forward, rather than expecting an immediate, complete solution. At times, it will be tiny steps, and other times it will be giant leaps, but always dependant on drivers for success. 

Blue-light services are nuanced, and what is best practice and process for an urban area may not suit a rural location. Similarly, local cultures come into play; what works in Wales, may not be applicable in Scotland for example. However, there are commonalities, and these should be used to create standards, perhaps considered as an extension of POLE (Person, Object, Location, Event). This will require elements of compromise and process change, however moving towards a standardised data approach will build the foundations for enhanced interoperability.  Sopra Steria can support with data transformation programmes, allowing agencies to maximise the value hidden within their existing data sets. Data quality is always the uncompromised foundation, and the vital ingredient to successful outcomes.  

It’s no secret that the challenges facing technological advancements in the blue-light sector are often centred around capability or capacity. Highly technical, highly specialised skillsets can be rare in the blue-light sector. Recruiting in these skills is often outside of budget, and in a resource constrained industry, can be almost impossible to facilitate. However, as the Police Foundation’s ‘The Power of Information’ report highlighted, there are options that can be explored to make progress.  A symbiotic relationship where suppliers provide advice, guidance, and training can help customers to grow their people’s skillsets, whilst benefitting the private sector through increased access to the sector’s nuances, including customer data and systems.  

Prioritising the conscious investment across the blue-light sector to invest in its people, and building technical expertise balanced with indepth sector knowledge, will open up swathes of opportunity to maximise data and technology. This, in turn, will enhance interoperability. 

Interoperability must be a shared responsibility across the sector, for suppliers and customers alike. As an active member of the Interoperability Working Group and one of the earliest signatories of the Policing Charter, Sopra Steria takes this obligation seriously. Collaboration may not always be smooth sailing at times, but the overarching goal of better public services must prevail. Progress must be made in line with carefully considered frameworks, that consider legal and ethical considerations of proportionate and appropriate data sharing, driven by sector-wide commitment. Clear goals for collaboration and data sharing are essential for retaining momentum, and all parties must understand the ultimate goals and benefits. These benefits will be multi-faceted; motivating individuals, teams, organisations and sectors to overcome collaboration hurdles. By doing this effectively and exhaustively, the business case for prioritising interoperability is compelling, with industry and consumers alike incentivised by tangible benefits to cost savings, efficiency, and public safety. 

Whilst achieving data sharing interoperability is not technically impossible, it is complex. Moving towards a holistic overview centred around people is not achievable overnight. The goal of interoperability is a responsibility for all in the sector, from national policy makers all the way through to individual blue-light agencies, and it’s one that must be shouldered collectively. Political differences and business processes will require engagement and compromise. The sector and suppliers need to work together, coalescing around a common aim focused on realising significant public safety benefits; whether that’s top-down government pressure to achieve targets, financial constraints impacting appropriate resourcing, or the innate desire of the sector to provide the best possible public service. 

Interoperability is not a UK-specific or even blue-light-specific challenge. Publications from across the EU and globally, as well as from a spectrum of sectors, show that this challenge is nuanced and far-reaching. Sopra Steria actively promotes Interoperability, working closely with customers, industry and government organisations, and our work in the defence sector on secure collaboration is a compelling example of this.  By engaging across sectors and geographical lines we can share ideas, learning and best practice. 

Interoperability won’t happen by accident, and it also won’t happen quickly, or without investment and compromise.  

Yet, by understanding and clearly articulating the benefits of cross-force, cross-sector and cross-agency collaboration, steps can be taken to improve the outcomes our blue-light sector can achieve for the public.  

Justice and Emergency Services Programme activities

The techUK Justice and Emergency Services Programme represents tech firms operating in the public safety, criminal justice, and blue light markets. We create strong relationships between members and public sector customers, encouraging industry engagement, and unlocking innovation. Visit the programme page here.