Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 26
26
Not Addressed
ESN programme no longer expects to provide apps essential for key emergency service benefits.
Conclusion
Despite these concerns, all three emergency services did still see a continuing case for ESN. For example, the fire service said that there could be benefits from being able to share drone footage of incidents by ESN providing a common platform for such services. It noted that several reports into national incidents have called for better communication and coordination between the three emergency services.88 The Independent Assurance Panel pointed out that innovations and benefits would only happen after the network was completed, and may require software and an app store.89 However, the ESN programme no longer expects to provide any apps, other than to enable push-to-talk.90
Government Response Summary
The government agrees on the need for clear responsibilities and plans for operating ESN when live, detailing that current contracts define the service model, the User Services supplier will act as Service Integrator, and a new billing model is developed. However, the response does not specifically address the committee's concern about the programme no longer expecting to provide apps beyond push-to-talk, which limits potential innovations and benefits.
Government Response
Not Addressed
HM Government
Not Addressed
5.1 The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Target implementation date: March 2024 5.2 The government agrees with the need to ensure there are clear responsibilities and plans in place for operating ESN when it goes live. 5.3 The department’s current contracts define the core elements of the live service model, including the roles of the key suppliers for User Services, Mobile Services, and other suppliers. 5.4 The User Services supplier will take on the role as ‘Service Integrator’ providing all user groups with a single ‘entry point’ for service and support. Following Motorola’s exit from the programme, the Department has updated the definition of the Service Integrator role based on experience to date. 5.5 The department has developed a new model for User Organisation billing, which will be implemented through the new User Services contract. 5.6 The Programme Manager will work with the Leadership team, users, suppliers and recently appointed Live Service Manager to complete definition and implementation of the overall Programme Operating model.