CSSC – Building on Olympic Success

There can be no doubt as to the success of the CSSC (Cross-sector Safety and Security Communications) initiative during London 2012, which endorsed the concept and paved the way for future development and engagement.

The Hub continues with representatives from the Metropolitan Police Service, the City of London Police and two private sector volunteers. A slightly revised Executive Board is ensuring momentum and inclusive representation of all interested parties. The application to create a community-related charity for CSSC has been made. Sir David Wootton, the previous Lord Mayor of the City of London, has kindly agreed to be Chairman and a comprehensive group of trustees has been formed. The initiative aims to have full charitable status shortly.

The hub and communications are available on a 24/7 basis utilising the iMODUS alert, Bank of England control room, bridge call functionality and email messaging. Three workshops are planned throughout 2013; the first of these was held on Wednesday 20 March.

Initially, the hub team are seeking to refine the Pan London CSSC engagements and working practices which are anticipated to be concluded by the second quarter 2013.  Following this they will seek to share the CSSC model experience across other cities and regions, with a view to coordinating the (organic) evolution of the mechanism (model/concept).

We are in partnership with the Scottish authorities, who are keen to engage CSSC throughout Scotland, culminating in the Commonwealth Games in June 2014.

We look forward to your thoughts and suggestions as to the continuing improvement of CSSC and offer repeated thanks for your commitment and work to create and sustain this worthwhile initiative.

Sir David Veness

Richard Morris