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4. THE COMMUNICATIONS FLOW
4.1 The structure involved in implementing a successful communications strategy centres around four key areas; Disease Strategy Unit, Local Disease Control Centre ( LDCC), Scottish Government Resilience Room ( SGoRR), and Strategic Coordinating Groups ( SCG). Potentially all have roles and responsibilities in responding to disease incursion and it will be vital that communications are fully coordinated between these four groups. The diagram on page 8 provides an overview of how we would expect 'command & control' communications to flow.
Disease Strategy Unit
4.2 The Disease Strategy Unit will be formed from Scottish Government's Animal Health and Welfare ( AHW) Division at the outset of a hot suspicion case and will be maintained until disease is controlled and eradicated. Communications, directed by the Disease Strategy Group ( DSG) will play a central part of Disease Strategy Unit activities to ensure key interests, both inside and outside Scottish Government are kept fully informed of developments and that Scottish policy is effectively communicated to all.
Local Disease Control Centre ( LDCC)
4.3 The LDCC assumes responsibility for coordinating disease response communications at the local level. The Regional Operations Director ( ROD) will draw in and liaise closely with SCG members to ensure a consistent message is going out from all operational partners, and that they are considering the communication relating to the consequences. Support in managing local level media relations will be provided by the Media Disease Response Team ( MDRT). The ROD will also liaise closely with local stakeholders to ensure they are fully briefed and have access to all local level operational partners.
Scottish Government Resilience Room ( SGoRR)
4.4 Disease outbreaks will often require a response from other Scottish Government Directorates, particularly when dealing with a zoonotic disease or other consequence management issues. Where a cross Directorate response is required, SGoRR will be activated. This is a flexible arrangement whose format will depend upon the circumstances at the time. Potentially, a member of Scottish Resilience will be embedded in the Disease Strategy Unit and act as a conduit for information flow directly into SGoRR.
Strategic Coordinating Groups ( SCGs)
4.5 The inclusion of SCGs in the Communications Strategy represents the recognition of the potential for wider consequences of disease outbreaks. A whole range of sectors and industries can be affected, including tourism, the food chain, wildlife and access to the countryside which means an increasing number of operational partners potentially need to be captured in the communications flow. SCGs will work at all levels with the LDCC in managing the consequences of disease incursion. Membership is likely to include the following:
- Scottish Ambulance Service;
- Animal Health agency;
- Fire Services;
- Local Authorities;
- Local Enterprise Companies;
- Police;
- SEPA;
- Utilities.
THE COMMUNICATIONS FLOW
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