Abstract
This article highlights the value of close co‐ operation and understanding between those inthe public, private and voluntary sectors who have the responsibility for planning and responding to major incidents. Multi‐agency response and co‐operation can be improved through joint planning and exercises which serve to validate plans, enable staff to familiarise themselves with the arrangements and assist in training. The whole plan or just part of it may be exercised according to need, and may involve participation by one or more agencies. It has to be decided who needs to be exercised and which type of exercise is appropriate, for example paper feed, table‐top, communications‐simulated or live. When staging exercise, it is important to plan, conduct and supervise them in a way which will ensure maximum benefit to all participants, enhance response safely and enable weaknesses in the plans to be revealed and corrected.