Introduction
Emergency planning in local government involves the co-ordination
and preparation of contingency plans, procedures and activities
that deal with the challenges posed by major emergencies, for
example, floods, the outbreak of highly infectious diseases in
animals or humans, terrorist attacks, major accidents and so
on.
Work Environment
Local government emergency planning officers are generally office
based, but visits to a variety of locations such as airports,
industrial facilities and oilrigs are also required.
Daily Activities
The work undertaken by local government emergency planning
officers is very broad ranging and varies from council to
council. Duties might include some or all of the
following:
- working closely with a variety of other agencies, such as
emergency and voluntary organisations, community groups, the
military, central government, other local councils, and possibly
international agencies to ensure the correct emergency plans,
policies and procedures are in place;
- researching any new developments that may have a bearing on
emergency planning and making the relevant changes to plans and
procedures in conjunction with partner organisations;
- running scenario based training for local council staff and
others from partner organisations, so they know what to do if a
particular emergency situation arises and what their roles and
responsibilities would be;
- dealing directly with emergencies, for example, a local
government emergency planning officer might receive a telephone
call during the night about a flood caused by a burst water main -
he/she may work at the scene along with partner organisations and
coordinates the council's response;
- organising review sessions with partner organisations after an
emergency has happened, in order to evaluate the success of the
response and make improvements to the procedures.
Skills & Interests
Local government emergency planning officers need:
- to be excellent communicators who are able to liaise
effectively with a range of different people;
- the ability to remain calm and think clearly under
pressure;
- good planning and organisational skills;
- the ability to lead and motivate others;
- good research skills;
- excellent written communication skills.
Entry Requirements
Local government emergency planners need a good standard of
education and may find health and safety related qualifications
useful. Most employers also look for some previous experience
in emergency planning or a related field, for example, those who
have worked in the emergency services or the forces may have
suitable experience.
Some officers may hold a specialist emergency planning
qualification. The Emergency Planning College offers relevant
civil contingencies training and qualifications.
Training for continuous professional development is available
through the Emergency Planning Society.
Future Prospects & Opportunities
There is some career progression from assistant level, through to
emergency planning officer and emergency planning manager.
There might also be opportunities to progress to other local
council departments such as planning and licensing, highways and
transportation, community safety, or environmental services.
Further Information & Services
Emergency Planning College www.epcollege.com
Emergency Planning Society www.the-eps.org
UK Resilience, a Cabinet Office website http://www.cabinetoffice.gov.uk/ukresilience
You may find further information about this area of work through
Careers Wales (www.careerswales.com/) or
in your local library, careers office or school careers
library.