Empowering Community - Creating Community Resilience Through Collaboration

01 Jul 2026
Theatre 1
Collaboration & Interoperability , Current & Emerging Challenges
This session explores how communities build resilience when they work together. Through real-world examples—ranging from resilience committees formed after flood emergencies, to the Blood Kit Community Collaboration Project, and innovative models of collaborative procurement—the panel will demonstrate how partnership delivers impact. Delegates will see how grassroots action, local leadership, and cross-community collaboration driven by the blue light services can create practical, scalable solutions that save lives and strengthen preparedness. Digital Blueprints from the projects will be made available online, and the session will conclude with an open discussion on how these community-led models can be rolled out nationally.
Speakers
Mark Baxter
Mark Baxter, Chief Fire Officer - Lincolnshire Fire and Rescue
Mandy Emery
Mandy Emery, Sustainability & Social Value Specialist - East of England NHS Collaborative Procurement Hub
Christian Cooper
Christian Cooper, Associate Director - Emergency Capabilities Unit (ECU)
Mike Vass
Mike Vass, Superintendent at Wiltshire Police - Swindon hub commander, Strategic Knife Crime lead and co-founder of the Bleed kit partnership. - Wiltshire Police