A social identity perspective on interoperability in the emergency services: Emergency responders' experiences of multiagency working during the COVID‐19 response in the UK

Recent research has shown that multiagency emergency response is beset by a range of challenges, calling for greater understanding the way in which these teams work together to improve future working. Social psychological shows shared identity within group can works and facilitate effective outcomes. In present study, 52 semistructured interviews were conducted with 17 strategic and/or tactical responders during COVID-19 pandemic understand possible role whether this was linked factors facilitated or challenged interoperability. Findings show evidence at horizontal intergroup level among locally. However, there limited vertical between local national responders. Three key appeared contribute First, pre-existing relationships other ease able initially. Second, sense ‘common fate’ helped bring together, finally, leaders strategically reinforce group.