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As digital transformation continues to shape the future of emergency services, we’re excited to welcome Node4 to The Emergency Tech Show 2025 as a Microsoft Partner. A trusted name in secure cloud, IT services and Microsoft technologies, Node4 is helping blue light organisations across the UK modernise and improve how they operate.

Ahead of the show, we spoke with Jo Atkinson, Blue Light Lead at Node4 to hear how they’re using digital tools to streamline back-office processes, empower frontline teams, and deliver real-world impact across policing, fire and the NHS.

1. Can you introduce Node4 and your role in supporting the emergency services sector?

Since our beginnings in 2004, Node4 has always been passionate about technology and the impact it can have on our customers – whether that’s at the early stages of digital transformation or if they’ve already explored sophisticated solutions and need help taking it to the next level.

We have a strong presence within the emergency services sector. We’ve worked on a variety of projects, from secure cloud and network solutions to managed IT services and digital transformation projects tailored specifically for blue light services.

Our expertise is vast – we help automate back-office processes, enhance data security, and enable real-time analytics that drive operational efficiency and informed decision-making across the emergency services. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg! We’ve collaborated with NHS Trusts, police forces and fire services nationwide to help them modernise their essential tasks and strengthen frontline support through innovative digital projects.

As Node4’s blue light lead, I bring over 25 years of operational policing experience to project, including a decade focused on IT transformation projects, growing strategic partnerships and guiding technology transformations that made a real difference.

2. You’re focused on helping emergency services automate back-office processes – what kind of impact can that have?

When emergency services automate back-office processes, the results are powerful. Tasks that once took hours can now be completed in minutes, and all the data that’s captured can help transform how decisions are made and how services are delivered.

Take reporting, for example. Automating the capture of data, whether that’s site-specific intelligence for fire services, criminal intelligence for policing, or patient flow data in the NHS, means that information can be instantly available and ready to be turned into clear, actionable insight. Leaders can spot bottlenecks and issues sooner, making it easier to tackle problems and assign the right people and resources where they’re needed most. By cutting back on admin burden and providing useful data, automation truly boosts frontline teams and lifts the quality of service for everyone.

3. Can you share a standout case study that shows your tech in action?

We’ve worked closely with East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service (ESFRS) and their tech partners to digitise their site-specific risk information (SSRI) process. Certain buildings carry higher fire risks, and it’s crucial that firefighters and incident commanders are well-informed about these risks and the engineered solutions that are in place (e.g. ventilation, fire alarm systems, water supply etc), so they can deal effectively with an incident should it occur.

ESFRS’ previous SSRI process was manual, relying on handwritten notes, Word documents, email approvals and manual uploads – this process could take up to seven days to complete.

Working with Node4, ESFRS introduced Microsoft technology to create a desktop-based risk assessment tool and a companion Power App to capture risk information whilst on site. This streamlined process allows information to sync directly with their Microsoft Dynamics CRM system and become available to the mobile data terminals on each fire appliance.

With the information no longer sitting in limbo waiting to be uploaded manually, information is available within five minutes, compared to the previous processing time of seven days.

This technology has greatly improved ESFRS’ risk analysis and reporting, ensuring crews have immediate access to crucial information and therefore improving the safety of crews and efficient resolution of incidents. Learn more here.

4. What are you showcasing at The Emergency Tech Show this year?

We’re excited to share how Microsoft (especially Power Apps and Dynamics) is helping emergency services cut down admin, speed up decision-making, and get more time back to focus on the job.

We’ve helped several blue light organisations with just that. For example, we’ve deployed a clinical capture and sharing app for an NHS Trust – it’s a first for the NHS and directly connects to the NHS Spine, allowing the trust to securely share patient diagnostics. We also developed I-LEAP, a search application that enables police officers to access INTERPOL databases on the frontline. It’s the first of its kind to use both Microsoft Power Apps and be designed specifically for mobile devices.

5. You’re an Inner Circle Microsoft Partner – how does that relationship strengthen the way you support frontline services?

We’ve been a member of Microsoft’s Inner Circle for Business Applications for the past five years. This recognition shows our commitment to helping organisations embrace digital transformation with Microsoft technology and solidifies our position as a trusted advisor and Microsoft expert.

Being in the Inner Circle means we’re always up to date with Microsoft’s cutting-edge technology, solutions and best practises. This keeps us ready to spot future opportunities and respond quickly to changes. Our clients benefit directly from this, as we can keep them one step ahead and prepared for the future.

6. Where do you see the biggest opportunity for digital innovation in policing or fire and rescue right now?

One of the biggest opportunities for digital innovation is automating back-office processes. By streamlining these daily routines, emergency services can ensure information reaches the right teams quickly, as well as freeing up staff to focus on other tasks or redeploy resources elsewhere. This way, teams can provide even better support and care to the communities they serve.

Node4 is a Microsoft Partner in the Microsoft Pavilion.