Our response to the Kerslake Arena Review

27 March 2018

The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, commissioned a non-statutory independent review of the events and aftermath of the Manchester Arena Terrorist Attack as part of his role as Police and Crime Commissioner.

The review panel was led by Lord Kerslake — former Head of the Civil Service and President of the Local Government Association. He is Chair of Peabody, Chair of the Centre for Public Scrutiny and Chair of London CIV. He was made a life peer in 2015.

The aim of the review was to identify a range what a range of responding agencies did well on the night and during the following week that helped people — as well as what could have been done better.

The outcomes will be used to prepare for any future incidents in Greater Manchester and across the country.

Responding the the review Ellen Miller, Services Director — North, said:

‘While we hope such incidents never happen again, it’s hugely important for all agencies involved to listen to survivors and learn what we can do better.

‘Then, if the worse does transpire we can respond faster, respond better and respond to all those who need support.

‘We therefore welcome the findings and recommendations of the Kerslake Arena Review, particularly recommendations around greater planning with Local Resilience Forums to establish how independent charities such as Victim Support could further contribute.

‘We know that for some survivors, reading this report will be bring back the traumatic and life changing events of the Manchester Arena Terrorist Attack and its aftermath.

‘We are working closely with the Mayor’s office to encourage survivors, whether new to Victim Support or existing clients, to get in touch with us via our free 24/7 confidential Supportline (Supportline number: 0808 16 89 111 or via our website).

We run specialist local support services both within and outside the Greater Manchester area and urge all those who need support to contact us today or in the future.’