VodafoneThree, Santander UK and the National Emergencies Trust have launched a partnership to develop a Community Resilience Strategy for the UK. Announced on 28 September 2026, the programme will translate research and local experience into practical guidance for communities preparing for, responding to and recovering from emergencies. Santander UK will support the initial research phase, while VodafoneThree will finance the development and community testing of a toolkit and dashboard. The initiative arrives as flooding, severe weather and wildfires continue to demonstrate the value of local relationships, reliable communications and organised community support.

Two Phase Community Programme

The Community Resilience Strategy has been structured in two stages. The first will establish a research-based blueprint, led by the National Emergencies Trust in partnership with Nottingham Trent University. It will identify effective examples of community resilience in the UK and internationally, creating an evidence base for practical tools that can be adapted to local circumstances.

The second phase will see VodafoneThree fund the development and testing of a Community Resilience Toolkit and dashboard. The mobile network operator will draw on its experience in connectivity, digital inclusion and emergency response, examining how communications can help people access information, support and services before, during and after an emergency.

The programme’s design recognises that communities often already possess the relationships, knowledge and goodwill needed to respond effectively. Its purpose is to give local organisations additional structure and resources to strengthen those existing capabilities.

Building Value Through Resilience

Research from the National Consortium for Societal Resilience at The University of Manchester has found that every £1 invested in societal resilience can generate £35.12 in public value when disruptions occur every five years. That finding gives the programme a clear social and economic rationale, particularly for communities facing recurring disruption.

The release points to the Conwy Mountain wildfires as an example of local collaboration in action. During the incident, volunteers, businesses, the council and emergency services worked together to support evacuated residents, arrange temporary accommodation and provide supplies to firefighters.

Flooding, extreme weather and wider economic and social pressures can all test local systems. The new strategy is intended to help communities understand risks, reinforce networks and prepare together before disruption occurs.

Fiona Hyde, Head of Sustainability at Santander UK, said:

“At Santander, we believe strong communities are at the heart of social and economic resilience. Many communities across the UK already demonstrate remarkable strength, leadership and willingness to support one another when challenges arise. Our new partnership with the NET is about building on those strengths by helping communities access practical tools, shared learning and support that can strengthen resilience over time.”

Connectivity During Disruption

Digital access is a central element of VodafoneThree’s contribution. In an emergency, connectivity can enable people to receive critical updates, share information with neighbours and support networks, and access the services available to them.

The company’s involvement will focus on putting those considerations into usable local resources rather than treating connectivity as a standalone issue. The toolkit and dashboard are expected to make the research accessible for communities looking to develop their own preparedness and recovery arrangements.

Nicki Lyons, Chief Corporate Communications and Sustainability Officer at VodafoneThree, said:

“When communities face disruption, reliable connectivity and strong local relationships can make a real difference to how quickly people access support, share information and begin to recover. This partnership is about bringing organisations together to learn from what already works and turn that insight into practical support that communities across the UK can use. At VodafoneThree, we want to help build a country where communities are better connected, better prepared and more resilient.”

Supporting Local First Responders

The National Emergencies Trust will bring its experience of coordinating public appeals and working through trusted local partners when emergencies occur. The charity’s role in the programme also places survivors and local organisations at the centre of work intended to improve future preparedness.

By combining academic research, financial support and telecommunications expertise, the partnership presents a practical model for turning evidence into community-level action. Its focus on adaptation is particularly valuable, allowing different places to apply the toolkit in ways that reflect their local risks, relationships and resources.

Mhairi Sharp at the National Emergencies Trust, commented:

“Communities are fantastic first responders. They are resourceful, compassionate and there long after the blue lights stop flashing. They know their neighbours, understand what their communities need and can be the difference between people simply getting through an emergency and beginning to recover. This partnership with Santander UK and VodafoneThree will help us build on that extraordinary strength, turning research and experience into practical tools that communities can use to prepare, respond and recover together.“

A Practical National Resource

The Community Resilience Strategy offers a focused response to the reality that emergencies are managed locally as well as nationally. Stronger local networks can help make information, practical support and recovery pathways more accessible when conventional services are under pressure.

With Santander UK funding the evidence stage and VodafoneThree supporting the development and testing of usable tools, the initiative is positioned to connect research with on-the-ground community action. The partnership’s emphasis on preparation, connection and practical guidance makes it a constructive addition to the UK’s wider resilience efforts.