Embedding collaboration in disaster response: Insights from the joint emergency services interoperability principles

Effective disaster response depends on the ability of diverse organisations to collaborate seamlessly under pressure. Previous research has largely centred on the ‘blue-light’ emergency services (police, fire, and ambulance), with much less being known about how wider emergency and resilience partners experience and enact collaboration in practice. This paper addresses that gap by examining the perceived challenges and opportunities for multi-agency cooperation across a broader range of responders. Drawing on twenty-six semi-structured interviews with representatives from local authorities, the National Health Service, His Majesty’s Coastguard, the UK Health Security Agency, and the Ministry of Defence, the study explores how the UK’s national Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Principles (JESIP) framework is understood and applied beyond traditional emergency services. Thematic analysis revealed seven interrelated factors shaping the embedding of JESIP: ( i) Inclusivity; (ii) Training and exercising; (iii) Continuous learning and development; (iv) Relationships; (v) Organisational culture and policies; (vi) Technology; and (vi) Personnel and financial constraints. Findings indicate that while JESIP provides a valuable foundation for coordination, its perceived ‘blue-light’ focus limits engagement and ownership across the wider emergency community. By highlighting the experiences of often-overlooked responders, this study offers new insight into how interoperability frameworks can be made more inclusive, adaptive, and effective. The research contributes to both policy and practice by informing the evolution of multi-agency collaboration mechanisms critical to saving lives and strengthening resilience during future crises.