Wales Resilience Forum meeting: 18 December 2025

The Welsh Government’s Chief Operating Officer chaired the Wales Resilience Forum (WRF) convened on 18 December 2025.  The meeting focused on enhancing preparedness, response, and recovery across Wales in light of evolving risks and upcoming major events as well as agreeing the Wales Resilience Partnership’s (WRP) work programme for 2026. 

The WRP Chair provided a highlight of the key activities and challenges in 2025.  This included the implementation of the Wales Resilience Framework, improvements in risk management protocols, increased funding allocation to local resilience forums, and the participation in Exercise Pegasus.

Looking ahead to 2026, the discussion focussed on the evolving landscape and the integration of key learnings to further improve Wales's readiness and resilience. The Chair concluded by expressing gratitude for the commitment of the responder community and the reassurance provided by a clear, united approach.

The EC-RRG’s deputy chair delivered a presentation, which underscored the significance of the telecommunications sector's participation in the Forum. It emphasised the sector’s role in enhancing telecom resilience during emergencies through effective coordination, information sharing, and the establishment of dedicated working groups to support significant events.

The pan-Wales work programme for 2026 work was presented to the Forum for approval, highlighting key priorities and further development of capabilities. The emphasis was on using resources wisely, setting clear priorities, and implementing changes in stages to maximise impact.

Decision:  The proposed WRP work programme for 2026 and the mechanism for implementation was agreed.

The activities scheduled to commence in January 2026 were agreed. An initial performance management system would be established to monitor progress, with potential for future refinement. Forum members endorsed both the implementation and oversight processes, committing resources to ensure tangible results.

Decision: Agreed the identified implementation activities from Jan 2026.

Decision: Agreed the mechanism for performance management.

Forum members identified several significant events in Wales requiring coordinated multi-agency planning over the next few years.

Emphasising the significance of the Forum, the Chair thanked members for their contributions.