Resilient Rob's new role
After a year in the headlines and national acclaim for its handling of major incidents, a new chair of the Suffolk Resilience Forum is taking up his post.
Rob Lawrence and Jacqui Cheer
This month (March 2008) Deputy Chief Constable, Jacqui Cheer, will hand over the role of chair to Rob Lawrence, Suffolk Chief Operating Officer at the East of England Ambulance. This is the first time a senior ambulance officer has led the Suffolk Resilience Forum, and also considered a first for the country.
The multi agency group, the Suffolk Resilience Forum, was formed in 2005 following the Civil Contingencies Act to handle major incidents and emergencies in a strategic and joined up way with Chief Fire Officer, Lee Howell, as its first chair.
Welcoming Rob's appointment, Dep Ch Const Cheer said: "There can be no doubt that we are living in challenging times. Since I took over as Chair of the Forum in 2006, Suffolk has seen the outbreak of Blue Tongue and Avian Flu, plus the potential flooding of areas along the county's coastline. These are just some of the challenges this county and the Suffolk Resilience Forum have already faced and we have successfully risen to these challenges. No doubt there will be other major incidents in the future and the Forum, under Rob's guidance as the new Chair, will continue to assess any future risks, so in the event of another emergency, all the partners will respond quickly and effectively."
Rob added "This is an exciting opportunity and I'm looking forward to the challenges the year ahead will bring. Over the past few months Suffolk has faced a number of major incidents, and each time the Resilience Forum has risen to the challenge through team-work, clear direction and well rehearsed plans. Building on these strong foundations I am delighted to take the Suffolk Resilience Forum and all its members through whatever incidents exercises and emergencies the next 12 months may bring."
