UK Covid-19 Inquiry - Module 1: The resilience and preparedness of the United Kingdom

Chapter 2 The system – institutions, structures and leadership

Chapter 2 provides a helpful summary of the international surveillance structure and international and national (i.e., within the UK) links. The latter was illustrated graphically in a Figure we reproduce below.

We swear on Matt Hancok’s head that the figure is not a joke or one of our satires.

There are also separate, somewhat simpler wiring diagrams for each devolved nation: England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland. The report also describes the functions of each of the main bodies involved in surveillance and decision-making.

The Inquiry’s observations are important. No one who gave evidence could explain why such a complicated system existed. The labyrinth of bodies was inefficient, lacked focus, cumbersome, and almost certainly had a large degree of overlap. In other words, no one was overseeing anything.

The system is further befuddled by constant reorganizations. 

The Threats, Hazards, Resilience, and Contingencies subcommittee established a Pandemic Flu Readiness Board in 201…