Resilience Officer
Job title: Resilience Officer
Grade: SO 2
Role code: EK1461
Status: Police Staff
Home Office code: Operational Support
Main purpose of the role:
Coordinate, develop and deliver a range of emergency pans, business continuity plans and procedures, in line with the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and the Authorised Professional Practice for Civil Emergencies, in order for the Force to respond effectively and appropriately to major incidents or emergencies and in line with the requirements of the Essex Resilience Forum. Develop and coordinate Essex Polices approach and resilience in Business Continuity in order to protect the public from harm, maintain public confidence and ensure Essex Police provide an appropriate and professional response to emergencies.
Main responsibilities:
- Coordinate, develop and verify a portfolio of emergency and business continuity plans including on-going maintenance reviews, ensuring that all plans comply with the Authorised Professional Practice for Civil Emergencies. All plans and associated papers will ensure that the Force is able to meet its obligations under The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 in emergency planning and business continuity with any new guidance incorporated into all relevant plans and included in training, awareness and exercises.
- Visit and monitor sites holding potentially hazardous substances or articles that may be used in terrorism and those sites forming part of the Critical National Infrastructure. Identifying best practice and maintaining close liaison with The Eastern Region Special Operations Unit CT (formerly Special Branch), Armed Policing and other relevant external agencies in order to ensure appropriate risks and threats are considered and assessed. Enhance the Forces capability to minimise risk to the public and providin security in event of a future public inquiry.
- Coordinate Business Continuity activity on behalf of Essex Police (including Joint Directorates), assisting in the research, design and implementation of plans and strategy ensuring a detailed working knowledge of the business continuity requirements in order to provide advice; ensuring that the Force has the capability as well as the necessary plans, equipment and awareness to manage Business Continuity Incidents, both during and post incident and identifying risks posed to the organisation in the event of an incident. Provide support to BC SPOCs in terms of extensive quality assurance checks on all business continuity related documentation, supporting and promulgating best practice in terms of legislation, practicality and training. Safeguard data quality and ensure that plans are fit for purpose, maintaining critical functions in the event of an incident. -
- Provide advice and support departments in the preparation of their Business Continuity plans and on-go ng maintenance reviews, ensure that plans comply with regulations and guidance from the Business Continuity Institutes good practice guidelines. Identify best practice and new guidance, incorporating this into training, exercises and planning. Maintain close liaison with department SPOCs and other relevant external agencies in order to ensure appropriate risks and threats are considered and assessed, while enhancing the Force capability to maintain critical activities and functions.
- Provide advice and guidance to strategic, tactical and operational staff and commanders in relation to emergency and business continuity planning and response. This will include advice mid and post incident to ensure an effective response and that lessons learnt and identified best participate are incorporated into plans and training to improve future response to major incidents and mitigate risk to the Force. Establish and maintain a robust framework and review programme to analyse all plans and coordinate audit requirements, t is will include developing and maintaining a data base of all plans with the ability to track progress identify risk posed to Essex Police in terms of plans in date and due a review or testing. Support work to ensure effective and integrated plans that can be audited to demonstrate specific risks and threats to the organisation including its front line suppliers and supply chain; in order to safeguard the continued delivery of critical functions during and after an emergency, taking into consideration the supply of compulsory equipment and maintaining business as usual. Develop effective processes to seek updates from Strategic Change and collaborate with the Head of Estates and Information Services to continually monitor and develop Force resilience in the event of a Business Continuity incident and to maintain Essex Polices capability to establish a strategic coordination centre. This will require identification and development of appropriate secondary or additional sites for this facility with specific resilient communications links to central and regional Government in order to facilitate the Government, Military and Multi-Agency response that will be required.
- Contribute to the design, coordination and implementation of training packages and testing exercises, for all required areas of Essex Police from command level to practitioner level in relation to Emergency Planning Business Continuity. Utilise all appropriate training tools to embed Emergency Plans and Business Continuity into the Force culture and provide new and innovative testing processes that ensure our compliance with the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.
- Actively represent the Essex Police in multi-agency forums for emergency and business continuity planning at both a regional and national level, establishing a programme to review plans, training and exercises aimed at enhancing the multi-agency response to Major Incidents, Emergencies and Acts of Terrorism; maintain liaison with the Home Office and Cabinet Office in order to support and improve mergency and Business Continuity Planning regionally and nationally. Establish and maintain inter-agency communications pre, during and post incident in line with the Joint Emergency Services Interoperability Programme, in order to effectively prioritise, identify risk and provide a co-ordinated response to Major Incidents, Emergencies and Acts of Terrorism.
- Participate in and conduct debriefs as required both internally and with multi agency forums; review and implement best practice as a result of lessons learnt, improving plans and implementing operational improvements in order to provide support and mitigate risk to the public and Essex Police.
Oct 2020.
Necessary experience:
Ideally, the post holder will require a minimum of 2-3 years practical experience of Contingency and/or Business Continuity Planning gained within a policing environment, other emergency service or local authority and exposure to developing working relationships with multiple departments and influencing and guiding Senior Managers.
It is desirable that the post holder be an Associate/Member of The Emergency Planning Society. Upon appointment the post holder must be willing to work towards achieving an Associate/Member status of The Business Continuity Institute and will be required to successfully complete the following courses provided by the Cabinet Office Emergency Planning College:
Starting Out in Civil Protection Writing Contingency Plans Preparing Emergency Plans for COMAH Tactical Emergency Management Strategic Emergency and Crisis Management Exercising Crisis & Business Continuity Plans Planning for Evacuation The post holder will be required to deliver training in emergency and business continuit planning to staff in Essex Police and our external partners, the post holder will therefore be required to attend and pass the Award In Education Training course to prepare them for this.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential along with previous experience of organising and delivering exercises. The post holder will be required to have the ability to represent Essex Police and to build and maintain effective working relationships with individuals at all levels and from diverse backgrounds. The post holder will be required to facilitate during major incident training sessions and exercises and to chair various work groups.
The post holder will be required to be the voice of authority and knowledge in aspects of emergency planning at multi-agency meetings. They will also be required to participate in such meetings as necessary.
The post holder must have a good working knowledge of IT applications, including Microsoft Office products and have extensive experience of designing and delivering presentations. Previous experience of writing business continuity planning and contingency plans and organising/delivering training and exercising are desirable.
Behaviours:
Analyse Critically (Level 2)
I ensure that the best available evidence from a wide range of sources is taken into account when making decisions. I think about different perspectives and motivations when reviewing information and how this may influence key points. I ask incisive questions to test out facts and assumptions, questioning and challenging the information provided when necessary. I understand when to balance decisive action with due consideration. I recognise patterns, themes and connections between several and diverse sources of information and the best available evidence. I identify when I need to take action on the basis of limited information and think about how to mitigate the risks in doing so. I challenge others to ensure that decisions are made in alignment with our mission, values and the Code of Ethics.
Collaborative (Level 2)
I manage relationships and partnerships for the long term, sharing information and building trust to find the best solutions. I help create joined-up solutions across organisational and geographical boundaries, partner organisations and those the police serve. I understand the local partnership context, helping me to use a range of tailored steps to build support. I work with our partners to decide who is best placed to take the lead on initiatives. I try to anticipate our partners' needs and take action to address these. I do not make assumptions. I check that our partners are getting what they need from the police service. I build commitment from others (including the public) to work together to deliver agreed outcomes.
Deliver, Support and Inspire (Level 1)
I take on challenging tasks to help to improve the service continuously and support my colleagues. I understand how my work contributes to the wider police service. I understand it is part of my collective responsibility to deliver efficient services. I take personal responsibility for making sure that I am working effectively to deliver the best service, both individually and with others. I am conscientious in my approach, working hard to provide the best service and to overcome any obstacles that could prevent or hinder delivery. I support the efficient use of resources to create the most value and to deliver the right impact. I keep up to date with changes in internal and external environments. I am a role model for the behaviours I expect to see in others and I act in the best interests of the public and the police service.
Emotionally Aware (Level 1)
I treat others with respect, tolerance and compassion. I acknowledge and respect a range of different perspectives, values and beliefs within the remit of the law. I remain calm and think about how to best manage the situation when faced with provocation. I understand my own emotions and I know which situations might affect my ability to deal with stress and pressure. I ask for help and support when I need it. I understand the value that diversity offers. I communicate in clear and simple language so that I can be easily understood by others. I seek to understand the thoughts and concerns of others even when they are unable to express themselves clearly.
Innovative and Open-minded (Level 2)
I explore a number of different sources of information and use a variety of tools when faced with a problem and look for good practice that is not always from policing. I am able to spot opportunities or threats which may influence how I go about my job in the future by using knowledge of trends, new thinking about policing and changing demographics in the population. I am flexible in my approach, changing my plans to make sure that I have the best impact. I encourage others to be creative and take appropriate risks. I share my explorations and understanding of the wider internal and external environment.
Take Ownership (Level 1)
I actively identify and respond to problems. I approach tasks with enthusiasm, focusing on public service excellence. I regularly seek feedback to understand the quality of my work and the impact of my behaviour. I recognise where I can help others and willingly take on additional tasks to support them, where appropriate. I give feedback to others that I make sure is understandable and constructive. I take responsibility for my own actions, I fulfil my promises and do what I say I will. I will admit if I have made a mistake and take action to rectify this. I demonstrate pride in representing the police service. I understand my own strengths and areas for development and take responsibility for my own learning to address gaps.
Values:
Impartiality (Accredited)
I take into account individual needs and requirements in all of my actions. I understand that treating everyone fairly does not mean everyone is treated the same. I always give people an equal opportunity to express their views. I communicate with everyone, making sure the most relevant message is provided to all. I value everyone's views and opinions by actively listening to understand their perspective. I make fair and objective decisions using the best available evidence. I enable everyone to have equal access to services and information, where appropriate.
Integrity (Accredited)
I always act in line with the values of the police service and the Code of Ethics for the benefit of the public. I demonstrate courage in doing the right thing, even in challenging situations. I enhance the reputation of my organisation and the wider police service through my actions and behaviours. I challenge colleagues whose behaviour, attitude and language falls below the public's and the service's expectations. I am open and responsive to challenge about my actions and words. I declare any conflicts of interest at the earliest opportunity. I am respectful of the authority and influence my position gives me. I use resources effectively and efficiently and not for personal benefit.
Public Service (Accredited)
I act in the interest of the public, first and foremost. I am motivated by serving the public, ensuring that I provide the best service possible at all times. I seek to understand the needs of others to act in their best interests. I adapt to address the needs and concerns of different communities. I tailor my communication to be appropriate and respectful to my audience. I take into consideration how others want to be treated when interacting with them. I treat people respectfully regardless of the circumstances. I share credit with everyoneinvolved in delivering services.
Transparency (Accredited)
I ensure that my decision-making rationale is clear and considered so that it is easily understood by others. I am clear and comprehensive when communicating with others. I am open and honest about my areas for development and I strive to improve. I give an accurate representation of my actions and records. I recognise the value of feedback and act on it. I give constructive and accurate feedback. I represent the opinions of others accurately and consistently. I am consistent and truthful in my communications. I maintain confidentiality appropriately.
Technical skills:
Anti-terrorism (Level 4)
Up to date knowledge of current political situation in relation to terrorism. Demonstrates an understanding of the Security Alert Status Levels and relevant policies and procedures. Analyses information submitted and/or makes decisions regarding the next course of action. If further research is necessary, undertakes that task or delegates to another officer. Able to put together basic information packages for other departments based on the information obtained.
CBRN (Level 3)
Has a basic level of CBRN awareness and/or exhibits the skills gained via CBRN training. Understands the principals of CBRN and their application. Able to deal with outer cordons and the application of powers under the prevention of terrorism act (May 2004)
Civil Contingencies (Level 5)
Has a sound understanding of Civil Contingencies legislation, building effective working relationships with Kent Resilience Forum partners, assessing hazards and threats of major emergencies to inform the Kent Community Risk Register. Able to make decisions to inform and progress multi-agency emergency preparedness planning.
Emergency Planning (Level 5)
Has a sound understanding of Emergency Planning gained through attendance on courses and practical experience. Ability to build effective working relationships with Kent Resilience Forum partners to produce multi-agency plans review existing plans and validate plans through exercises.
Health and Safety (Level 3)
Has a basic understanding of Health and Safety issues affecting the current role and working environment. Takes responsibility for personal safety and the safety of others. Aware of hazards and reports problems identified to line manager. Understands and minimises the physical risk of injury through the use of proper manual handling procedures.
Incident/Scene Management and Control (Level 4)
Maintains an overview of the incident. Sets up appropriate and effective cordons. Following assessment of the situation gives estimates for additional personnel requirements and specialist teams. Uses knowledge and assessment of staff capabilities to effectively deploy attending personnel and maintains awareness of the location of all deployed resources. Aware of the need to balance the gathering of evidence with the need to resolve the incident. Aware of Area contingency plans and able to initiate further action.
Information Management and Technology (Level 3)
Knows the range of police information systems available locally to support daily activities, and understands their uses. Can use police information systems to perform routine tasks. May be able to create simple records, and amends data to add information, within requirements of role. Understands data quality issues.
Knowledge of Police Environment and Policy (Level 4)
Displays a general appreciation of changes affecting the police service. Understands the inter-relationships between the roles of the various Operational and Support activities, and how organisation structures and police systems work. Possesses a detailed understanding of working procedures, practices and policies relevant to the current role and the roles of subordinates and ensures that these are followed at all times. Is clear about Force goals and effectively contributes to local business plan objectives.
Knowledge of Legislation and Policy (Level 4)
Has a thorough understanding of all legislation, policy and procedure relevant to the current role. Able to apply this and offer advice to colleagues as necessary.
Management of Police Information (MOPI) (Level 4)
Full compliance with Level 3. Has successfully completed all standard relevant Information Management and Security training package(s). Accurate use of Government Security Classification (GSC). Ensures physical and digital records are stored with appropriate security relevant to the sensitivity of the documents and has working understanding of appropriate National Retention Schedules. Is able to quality assure own records management processes as well as those of any staff for whom they have supervisory responsibility. Is aware of where to seek further support in relation to Records management within force when necessary. If nominated as an Information Asset Assistant is familiar with the NPCC Information Asset Owners Handbook.
Research Techniques (Level 3)
Conducts basic research work, usually with a relatively narrow focus and is able to find out all the required relevant information or data for the task set. Can present findings in a logical and easily understood manner.
Risk Management (Level 3)
Demonstrates an awareness of personal risk management issues, challenges or difficulties likely to affect the post holder in the execution of their duties. Able to anticipate risks likely to affect their work and knows how to communicate the likelihood and possible impacts of such events to line managers or supervisors.