protecting your community in local government emergency planning

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.
Hours are usually 37 per week, but it may be necessary to work at evenings and weekends if an emergency arises.
 

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 works 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, such as the Diploma in Emergency Planning offered by Coventry University and developed in conjunction with the Emergency Planning Society.

The Emergency Planning College offers relevant civil contingencies training and qualifications.
Training for continuous professional development is available through the Emergency Planning Society.
  

Estimated salary range

Local government emergency planning officers might expect to earn £26,000 - £34,000.
Please note that salary information is a guide only and there may be local agreements in place. For further information about salaries for particular positions, please contact your local council directly.

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.
Related Occupations

Follow this link to view a list of all related occuptions in Protecting Your Community.
Further Information & Services

Emergency Planning Society www.the-eps.org

UK Resilience, a Cabinet Office website www.ukresilience.info

Ento - for health and safety qualifications www.ento.co.uk

Emergency Planning College www.epcollege.gov.uk

What should I do next?

Look for current local government emergency planning officer vacancies in the following places:

• LGjobs.com - the official recruitment website for local government.
• Weekly, bi-weekly or monthly jobs bulletins produced by local councils themselves, available from libraries, community centres, town halls/main civic buildings and central council personnel departments.
• Local council websites.
• Local newspapers
• National newspapers - The Guardian is particularly well known for its public sector job advertisements on a Wednesday.

Find out about the council and get some work experience if possible by:

• Making the most of work experience placements arranged through your school, college or university.
• Contacting councils close to your home to find out about the work experience opportunities they offer.
• Talking to someone who does the job you are interested in - ring your local council to see if someone can spare some time.
• Making an appointment to see a careers adviser for more specific information about jobs and training.