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- Tasks: Lead emergency planning and business continuity efforts for Reading Borough Council.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking council dedicated to public safety and community resilience.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holiday entitlement, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in emergency planning and strong leadership abilities required.
- Other info: We are a Disability Confident employer, promoting inclusivity in our hiring process.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment, combining office work in central Reading with homeworking based on service needs.
About the role
The position involves diverse responsibilities, including:
- Serving as the lead competent person within the Council, providing corporate advice and support on emergency planning, business continuity, and public safety.
- Developing Emergency Plans for Reading Borough Council, including statutory requirements under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.
- Acting as the lead tactical advisor during emergencies, reporting to senior managers and elected members, and making response recommendations.
- Collaborating with the Local Resilience Forum and other Berkshire Emergency Planning Officers, including joint responses during major incidents.
- Supporting community resilience building among Thames Valley partner organisations.
- Providing support and advice to ensure Council teams can maintain critical services during major incidents.
- Coordinating and delivering training to the on-call emergency response team to ensure competence.
This role is suited for an experienced emergency planner with leadership skills in major incidents, capable of interpreting complex situations and providing practical solutions to diverse audiences.
You will be part of a team that values collaboration, efficiency, ambition, and making a difference to Reading. Our values include working together as one team, driving efficiency, being ambitious, and delivering excellent customer service.
About Disability Confident
We are a Disability Confident employer, offering interviews to applicants with disabilities who meet minimum criteria. For more details, please visit our website.
What we offer
- Generous holiday entitlement: 25 days plus bank holidays, rising to 33 days after 10 years, with the option to buy additional leave.
- Flexible working opportunities.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices, Reading.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Life Assurance: three times annual salary for LGPS members.
- On-site nursery (Kennet Day Nursery), rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan for travel costs.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme for a greener vehicle.
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Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Lead employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, as this is a key aspect of the role. Understanding the statutory requirements will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the responsibilities of the position.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in emergency planning and business continuity. Attend local resilience forums or related events to connect with others in the field. This can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations for your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss real-life scenarios where you've successfully managed emergencies or crises. Being able to articulate your experience in a practical context will showcase your leadership skills and ability to handle complex situations.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Reading Borough Council's current emergency plans and community resilience initiatives. Showing that you are informed about their specific challenges and strategies will highlight your genuine interest in the role and the organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Carefully read the job description for the Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Lead position. Make sure you understand the key responsibilities and required skills, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in emergency planning and business continuity. Provide specific examples of past roles where you demonstrated leadership during major incidents or developed emergency plans.
Showcase Your Skills: Clearly outline your skills that align with the role, such as collaboration, problem-solving, and communication. Use bullet points to make these stand out and ensure they relate directly to the responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your Cover Letter: Write a personalised cover letter that reflects your understanding of the Council's values and how you can contribute to their mission. Mention your commitment to community resilience and your ability to work effectively within a team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Understand the Role Thoroughly
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with emergency planning, business continuity, and public safety concepts, as well as the specific requirements under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've demonstrated leadership during emergencies or major incidents. Highlight how you provided guidance and made critical decisions under pressure, as this role requires strong leadership capabilities.
✨Emphasise Collaboration
Since the position involves working with various stakeholders, be ready to discuss your experience in collaborative environments. Share instances where you successfully worked with teams or external organisations to achieve common goals, especially in crisis situations.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in emergency situations. Think through potential scenarios relevant to Reading Borough Council and prepare your responses, focusing on practical solutions and effective communication.
