At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead emergency planning and business continuity efforts to protect the community during crises.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Harrow, dedicated to community safety and resilience.
- Benefits: Make a real impact while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Other info: Flexible hours and opportunities for professional growth in a dynamic role.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of community safety and make a difference when it matters most.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of emergency planning and strong organisational skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 34650 - 42350 £ per year.
OverviewThe London Borough of Harrow is seeking a highly motivated and resilient Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Officer to support the council's preparedness, response and recovery arrangements in line with the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and the Resilience Standards for London. This is an exciting and meaningful role at the heart of community safety, where you will contribute directly to protecting residents, staff and essential services during emergencies and major disruptions.
Working closely with the Deputy Head of Resilience, you will lead on key workstreams, manage specialist projects, and build strong working relationships across the organisation and with external partners, including emergency services, voluntary agencies and regional resilience forums. You will provide professional advice on emergency planning, contribute to the development and testing of plans, and help ensure the council maintains effective, up‐to‐date arrangements for crisis management.
During an emergency, you may be required to coordinate the council's immediate response, including managing the Emergency Response Team, activating borough procedures and supporting senior leaders to make time‐sensitive decisions. The role involves both proactive planning and reactive incident support, requiring excellent judgement, communication skills and the ability to work under pressure. This is a key opportunity to make a positive impact on Harrow's safety, resilience and community wellbeing.
About YouThe successful candidate will have:-Strong knowledge of emergency planning, business continuity and the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.Experience leading or contributing to the development of emergency or resilience plans.
Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities under pressure.
The confidence to make timely decisions during incidents with limited information.
Proven ability to build effective relationships with colleagues, senior leaders and external partners.
Clear and persuasive communication skills, both verbal and written. A proactive, self‐motivated approach with the ability to use their own initiative.
Experience delivering training, presentations or briefings to a range of audiences.
Strong analytical skills and the ability to evaluate incidents and identify learning.
Flexibility to work evenings, weekends and participate in an on‐call rota as required.
Related DocumentsFor more information, please refer to the Role Profile/ Selection Criteria
Emergency Planning & Business Continuity Officer in Harrow employer: Harrow Council
Harrow Council is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering an inclusive work culture that prioritises the growth and development of its employees. As a Deafblind & Multi-Sensory Inclusion Advisor, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of children and young people while benefiting from comprehensive training and support in a collaborative environment. Located in London, the council offers unique advantages such as access to diverse resources and a commitment to community engagement, making it a rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Emergency Planning & Business Continuity Officer in Harrow
✨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 Harrow 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 Harrow 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 & Business Continuity Officer in Harrow
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 Harrow 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 Harrow 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.
