Kirklees is one of the largest metropolitan districts in England and Wales, with a population of 422,500 spread over an area of 157 square miles.

The area is a contrast between remote, rural areas and town centres. It includes a major motorway (M62) and rail network, together with areas that could present risk such as Standedge Tunnel, three major hospitals and seven Control of Major Accident Hazards (COMAH) sites.

Kirklees has a history of strong partnership work, which continues to go from strength to strength.