Multi-agency planning for civil emergencies is working well in Scotland according to an audit report today.
Among the events highlighted in the report by Audit Scotland are the terrorist attack at Glasgow airport in 2007, industrial action last year that threatened fuel supplies and more recently, planning for the swine flu pandemic.
Robert Black, auditor general for Scotland, said: "These have all highlighted the importance of having effective emergency planning and response systems in place. Public bodies in Scotland are working well together, but there is scope for further improvement."
Black said that the Scottish government had been a key part of ensuring progress and has shown strong support although more could be done to share good practice and to take forward the lessons from previous emergencies.
The eight coordinating groups across Scotland include local authorities, health boards and telecommunication companies- with scope for voluntary and private sector involvement.
The report makes a number of recommendations for improvements including better communication with the public, better tracking of resources and a more formal approach agreements between agencies. "There needs to be a standard approach to the handling of sensitive information. Greater clarity is also needed on leadership, roles and responsibilities, accountability and priorities," it said.
John Baillie, chair of the accounts commission, said: "Local authorities are at the frontline of service delivery to our communities and are working well with other organisations to plan for handling civil emergencies.
"They should now ensure continuity and recovery arrangements are in place and further consider how they can improve communication with local businesses, charities and vulnerable individuals...assurance to local communities could be better supported."
