Conversations about training in the emergency services have moved well beyond initial qualifications. Today, workforce development sits at the centre of operational resilience, shaped by evolving risk, digital transformation, changing public expectations and the wellbeing of the people behind the response.

Across fire, police, ambulance and partner agencies, leaders are grappling with how to recruit, train and retain people in a high-pressure environment. Operational demand is intensifying, incidents are becoming more complex and the skills required on the frontline are shifting. Technical capability, digital confidence, leadership under pressure and psychological resilience are no longer separate conversations, they are interconnected.

At The Emergency Services Show 2026, taking place 16-17 September at the NEC in Birmingham, Training and Development will be a core content theme, exploring how services are building stronger teams through training, wellbeing and leadership.

The theme will examine the full workforce lifecycle: from attracting new recruits and supporting early careers, to developing experienced leaders and embedding a culture of continuous professional development. It will address technical upskilling, including driver training and specialist capabilities, alongside the growing need for digital fluency as new systems, data platforms and technologies reshape control rooms and operational environments.

Lessons learnt from major incidents will form a key strand of the programme, focusing on how services translate operational experience into meaningful, measurable development.

“As operational demands grow more complex, we must turn incident learning into action – using assessment data to shape training that strengthens both technical expertise and builds resilient leadership. Closing the loop between operations and development ensures lessons are not just identified, but embedded. That is how we prepare our people to make confident, high-stakes decisions when complexity is at its peak.”

Katherine Lamb, Company Director, K Lamb Associates.

Wellbeing and culture will also be central to the conversation. Mental health support, peer networks and leadership behaviours all play a critical role in sustaining performance over time. Training and development is not only about competence; it is about creating environments where people feel supported, capable and prepared.

The People and Skills Stage, sponsored by YPO, will act as a focal point for this discussion.

“We’re incredibly proud to be sponsoring the People and Skills Stage at The Emergency Service Show 2026. This platform allows us to support resilience, wellbeing, leadership and workforce retention that underpin our emergency services.

“This is part of our commitment to ensure, as a public sector organisation, YPO supports in empowering the people on the frontline.”

Caroline Brash, Principal Procurement Consultant, YPO.

Content will span leadership development programmes, cultural change, mental health provision and workforce retention strategies. It will also spotlight innovation in training delivery, including simulation, VR and AR environments, digital skills assessment tools, CPD platforms, wearable safety technology and workforce management systems that help services understand and support their people more effectively.

The theme will attract learning and development teams, HR leads, digital transformation directors, leadership programme providers and wellbeing specialists, alongside operational leaders responsible for capability and standards.

By bringing together operational insight, learning expertise and commercial innovation, Training and Development will explore how emergency services can build confident, capable and resilient teams ready to respond to whatever comes next.

If your organisation supports skills, leadership or wellbeing across the emergency services, and would like to contribute to the conversation, contact our team . Further details on content and exhibitors will be announced soon.

Click here to register your interest for The Emergency Services Show 2026.

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