At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Emergency Planning Team to ensure community safety and effective emergency response.
- Company: Halton Borough Council, a vibrant local authority with a commitment to community resilience.
- Benefits: 34 days holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to enhancing lives and community safety.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by leading emergency planning and resilience efforts.
- Qualifications: Experience in emergency planning and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 50269 £ per year.
Location: Municipal Bldg, Kingsway, Cheshire, Widnes WA8 7QF, UK
Salary: 47,181 - 50,269 per year
Employment: Full time
Category: Health And Safety
Posted: 2026-07-29
Valid to: 2026-08-23
Apply: here
Our Story:
Halton is a vibrant local authority with a rich history and heritage, featuring three iconic bridges that connect communities across the River Mersey. Located in Cheshire, Halton boasts excellent transport links between Liverpool and Manchester, as well as close proximity to both Liverpool John Lennon and Manchester Airports. Our progressive community strategy aims to bring about meaningful, long-term improvements that enhance lives.
Our Team:
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Emergency Planning Manager to lead the Council's Emergency Planning Team and ensure Halton remains prepared, resilient and able to respond effectively to emergencies and major incidents. This is a high-profile role that sits at the centre of the Council's resilience, business continuity and counter-terrorism arrangements. Working closely with elected members, senior officers, emergency services, Cheshire Resilience Forum and a wide range of partners, you will play a pivotal role in protecting our communities and supporting the Council's statutory duties under the Civil Contingencies Act.
Your Contributions:
- Lead and manage the Council's Emergency Planning Team, ensuring statutory emergency planning and resilience responsibilities are fully met.
- Develop, review and exercise emergency response, business continuity and contingency plans, ensuring the Council is prepared to respond to major incidents and emergencies.
- Act as the Council's lead officer for PREVENT and counter-terrorism, supporting and coordinating multi-agency activity across the borough.
- Represent Halton within the Cheshire Resilience Forum and work collaboratively with emergency services, partner agencies and government bodies to strengthen local resilience.
- Lead the Council's involvement in Safety Advisory Groups for major events, providing professional advice and ensuring safe and effective event planning.
Our Offer:
Apart from working with a great team, our employees have access to a fantastic range of benefits, including:
- A generous annual holiday allowance starting at 34 days per year (including bank holidays), increasing with long service with the option to purchase an additional four-days of unpaid leave for our Annual Christmas Closedown.
- Membership of our defined benefit, salary-linked Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with generous employer contributions.
- 3 x Salary Life Cover via Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Investment in your personal development.
- Free Car Parking at HBC sites.
- Flexible working arrangements.
- Extensive employee benefits platform including discounted shopping, car leasing, gym memberships, wellbeing hub and Employee Assistance Programme.
Next Steps:
At Halton Borough Council, we want all of our candidates to feel well-informed so if you would like to have an informal chat about this role, please contact Rebecca Freeman on Rebecca.Freeman@halton.gov.uk. Interviews will take place on 2 September 2026.
At Halton Borough Council we want to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce and a vital part of this is to encourage diversity in all respects. We are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and tailored to best suit the needs and strength of the individual. This includes making adjustments for people with a disability, neurodiversity or with long-term health conditions. If you require accommodations, please reach out during the recruitment process so that we can make this the best possible experience for you – resourcing@halton.gov.uk.
Please refer to the attached Job Profile for further information about the role and our values. We reserve the right to close this vacancy earlier than the specified date should we receive sufficient applications. If you’re interested, please complete your application as early as possible. We look forward to receiving your application!
Emergency Planning Manager in Widnes employer: Halton Borough Council
Halton Borough Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises the well-being of both employees and the families they serve. With competitive pay and the flexibility of hybrid working, social workers have the opportunity to grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the community. The council is committed to fostering employee development, ensuring that staff are equipped with the skills and resources needed to thrive in their roles.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Emergency Planning Manager in Widnes
✨Get Some Hands-On Experience
If you're looking to land that full-time gig in emergency medical services, don't underestimate the power of hands-on experience! Volunteering with local ambulance services or first aid organisations can give you a great insight into the field and show potential employers you’re dedicated.
✨Connect with EMS Communities
Join local EMS associations or online groups where professionals chat about job opportunities and trends. These communities are goldmines for networking, and you might just overhear about openings at places like Halton Borough Council that aren't even advertised yet!
✨Showcase Your Skills Through Certifications
Make sure you’re up to date with your certifications—CPR, first aid, and any relevant EMS training. Having these on your CV or mentioned in interviews can really set you apart from the crowd when applying for that full-time role.
✨Leverage Local Job Fairs
Don’t forget about job fairs, especially those focused on healthcare and emergency services. These events are perfect for meeting representatives from companies like Halton Borough Council face-to-face and making a lasting impression. Plus, they often have a ton of insider info about the hiring process!
We think you need these skills to ace Emergency Planning Manager in Widnes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In the emergency medical services world, certifications like EMT or Paramedic are crucial. Make sure to prominently display any relevant qualifications on your CV to show you’re qualified and ready to jump in.
Showcase Your Experience in High-Pressure Situations:This isn’t just about ticking boxes; we want to see how you’ve handled emergencies. Share specific examples from your past roles, focusing on your ability to stay calm and effective under pressure—this will really make your CV stand out!
Craft a Personal Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for EMS. Share a brief story about why you got into this field and what drives you. This personal touch helps us connect with you beyond just your qualifications.
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication Skills:Being part of an EMS team means communication is key. Highlight your experiences working in teams, especially in stressful environments, and how you effectively communicate with both your team and patients. This will show us you can thrive in our fast-paced world.
How to prepare for a job interview at Halton Borough Council
✨Brush Up on Your Medical Knowledge
As we're stepping into the emergency medical services world, it's crucial to have a solid grasp on medical protocols and procedures. Expect to face scenario-based questions where you'll need to demonstrate your decision-making skills in high-pressure situations, so reviewing your medical textbooks or guidelines might just give you the edge!
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
In EMS, teamwork and communication can literally save lives. Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively communicated in past settings or during training exercises. They might throw in questions about managing stressful interactions with patients or colleagues, so highlighting your soft skills could really set you apart.
✨Familiarise Yourself With Local Protocols
Since you'll be serving the community, knowing the specific EMS protocols and guidelines of Halton Borough Council is key. Research their operations and any recent changes they might have implemented. Demonstrating that you're well-informed about local practices shows your commitment and readiness to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Assessments
Don't be surprised if your full-time interview includes a hands-on assessment. Practising skills like CPR, patient assessment, and using EMS technology will show you're ready for the rigours of the job. So gather your training materials and maybe even practice with a mate to simulate the scenario-based tests you might encounter.