« Previous | Contents | Next »
Listen
01 Introduction
Summary
This chapter covers:
- The concept of resilience as the basis of Central Government's approach to civil contingencies planning.
- The purpose of the Preparing Scotland guidance in promoting generic response arrangements based on a risk assessment approach at the local area level.
- A programme for the development of Scottish resilience.
- A description of the six Sections of the Preparing Scotland guidance.
Resilience
1.1 Central government's approach to civil contingency planning is built around the concept of resilience. This is defined as the ability "at every relevant level to detect, prevent and, if necessary, to handle and recover from disruptive challenges". The processes which underpin resilience form the fundamental elements of civil protection.
1.2 Civil protection or civil contingency planning, can be defined as the application of knowledge, measures and practices to anticipate, guard against, prevent, reduce or overcome any risk, harm or loss that may be associated with natural, technological or man-made crises and disasters in peacetime.
1.3 The Government is committed to enhancing the resilience of the United Kingdom to disruptive challenge. In recent years, the range of challenges that society faces has broadened as networks have become more complex. We can no longer work on the assumption that disasters in the UK or elsewhere can be localised or occur in isolation. Multiple events can occur at once and - irrespective of malicious intent - can cause effects that demand effective co-ordination and integration of activities.
1.4 Resilience is built around several key activities. First, risks of disruptive challenge must, where possible, be identified, either by considering internal weaknesses or scanning the horizon for external threats. Risk assessment allows choices to be made. In some circumstances it is possible to prevent disruptive challenges occurring by taking action at an early stage. In other cases, planning has to take place to prepare to deal with a disruptive challenge. If the disruption does occur it becomes necessary to respond and, once the situation is brought under control, to focus on recovery. This cycle - assessment, prevention, preparation, response and recovery - is at the heart of resilience. It is complemented by review of plans and arrangements based on experience of emergencies and exercises.
Purpose of guidance
1.5Preparing Scotland provides a framework for civil protection within which the contingency plans of the emergency services, local authorities, health services, government departments and other statutory, commercial and voluntary organisations at local, Scottish and UK level can be prepared. Its purpose is to support preparation and effective response to emergencies that may occur in Scotland.
1.6 The guidance seeks to establish generic arrangements as a basis for meaningful preparation within a framework which will ensure effective management and co-ordination of response to all emergencies regardless of their scale or impact. It is also the place in which formal guidance on the Contingency Planning (Scotland) Regulations 2005, made under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 is published.
1.7 The document offers guidance on basic principles which may be tailored to suit local conditions. It is not intended to be an operations manual but to establish good practice based on lessons learned from planning for, and dealing with, major emergencies at all levels. Over time Preparing Scotland will develop as a repository for good practice and the promotion of continuous improvement.
1.8Preparing Scotland is designed to reflect a management process that will address preparation for emergencies from the identification of a risk to the return to normality. It is a living document that can adapt readily to changing circumstances. It allows for the rapid integration of arrangements to deal with new hazards and threats and any significant lessons identified in exercises or response to emergencies.
1.9 The guidance contains programmes for development of Scottish resilience and civil protection. The programmes include training, exercising, promotion of national initiatives and research. Development of the programmes will be guided by stakeholders. The structures described for preparation and response will allow for harmonisation of effort by all of those with a part to play.
1.10Preparing Scotland is written for individuals and organisations (local responders, government departments and other statutory, commercial and voluntary organisations) that have a role to play in civil protection at local and Scottish levels. It is designed for a professional audience with knowledge of the topics covered. Indeed it is anticipated that the guidance will be developed and owned by the Scottish civil protection community.
Description of guidance
1.11Preparing Scotland is written in six Sections.
Section 1 describes the principles of Integrated Emergency Management and the national structures that support a co-ordinated multi-agency response to emergencies.
Section 2 accompanies Part 1 of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and its supporting Regulations. The Act and Regulations support UK civil protection for the 21st century. This Section prescribes the implementation of the Act for Category 1 and Category 2 responders in Scotland.
Section 3 complements Sections 1 and 2. It will contain examples of good practice in the key elements of the Civil Contingencies Act (risk assessment, emergency planning, promotion of business continuity management, informing the public, etc.)
Section 4 will provide guidance on the integration of national contingency plans (such as pandemics, coastal pollution, temporary mortuaries, CBRN) and local arrangements.
Section 5 will support preparation by providing specialist information and advice (such as Bellwin Scheme, stress management, disposal of toxic waste).
Section 6 outlines action programmes for the development of Scottish resilience - national training events, exercises and the development of specific capabilities.
Section 7 contains a Glossary of terms used and a record of amendments.
1.12Sections 4, 5 and 6 of the guidance will be populated over time in partnership with Scottish stakeholders.
1.13 The guidance provides references to further information, links to web-sites and other sources for the reader.
1.14 A majority of the information contained in Preparing Scotland is time limited (dates set on each page) and will be reviewed regularly by those with particular roles and interest in the subject matter being considered. The Scottish Executive Justice Department Fire and Civil Contingencies Division will facilitate the maintenance of Preparing Scotland.
« Previous | Contents | Next »