Mark Whitehead 20 November 2019

Change law to enable volunteers to respond to disasters, Red Cross says

The British Red Cross is calling for the law to be changed so that voluntary groups are included in planning responses to emergencies and disasters.

It says emergency services, Government bodies and councils may not take local knowledge into account because they are not legally bound to involve volunteers.

In its report, People Power in Emergencies, the charity looks at how far local resilience forums, which lead local council emergency planning, factor in the knowledge and skills offered by the voluntary and community sector.

It says collaboration is variable, but responses to emergencies tend to focus chiefly on 'command and control' mechanisms.

It recommends a 'people at the heart of planning' checklist for local resilience forums, and an amendment to the Civil Contingencies Act, Regulations and Guidance.

This would require local resilience forums to plan a more ‘person-centred’ approach.

Mike Adamson of the British Red Cross said: ‘This is about showing how we complement the work of our partners.

'It’s also about giving a voice to those affected by emergencies and highlighting local challenges, sensitivities and opportunities to help people survive and recover better.

'It’s people and communities who know best what their needs are and how they want them addressed.'

For more on this visit The MJ (£).

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

Senior Project Manager (Regeneration)

West Yorkshire Combined Authority
£49,359 to £56,057 per annum (pay award pending) – Grade 9
With ambitious goals ahead, we need dedicated individuals who are ready to make a real impact as part of our expanding Housing team Leeds / Hybrid
Recuriter: West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerPermanent, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

Information Governance Officer

Essex County Council
£28349.00 - £33351.00 per annum + pension
Information Governance OfficerFixed Term, Full Time£28,349 to £33,351 per annumLocation
Recuriter: Essex County Council

HR Advisor - Pay & Policy (Career Grade)

Wakefield Council
Grade 9 - Grade 10, Career Grade, 24 hours, Permanent
Are you ready to make a difference and shape policies that foster a high performing and inclusive workplace? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council

Leisure Support Assistant

Wakefield Council
£12,013.50 - £12,202.00, Grade 3, 18.5 hours, Permanent
Are You Ready to Make a Difference in Your Community? Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Recuriter: Wakefield Council
Linkedin Banner