volunteer information & recruitment pack · opportunity to share information and good practice...

Volunteer Information

& Recruitment Pack

Bedfordshire Community Emergency Response Team Information Pack

2

CONTENTS

What is Bedfordshire Community Emergency Response Team? ................................................. 3

Community Emergency Plans .................................................................................................... 4

What Makes A Good Volunteer? ............................................................................................... 5

Essential Qualities ......................................................................................................................... 5

Desirable Qualities ........................................................................................................................ 5

Training and Development ....................................................................................................... 6

Mandatory Training ...................................................................................................................... 6

Optional Training .......................................................................................................................... 6

Formal Roles ................................................................................................................................. 6

The Notification Process ........................................................................................................... 7

Uniform and Standards ............................................................................................................ 7

Our Values & Code of Conduct .................................................................................................. 9

Behaviour expectation of volunteers ...................................................................................... 10

What you can expect from us ................................................................................................. 11

Other useful information ........................................................................................................ 12

Claiming Expenses ....................................................................................................................... 12

Health, Safety and Insurance ...................................................................................................... 12

How to join Bedfordshire Community Emergency Response Team ........................................... 13


3

What is Bedfordshire Community Emergency Response Team?

Bedfordshire CERT (established in 2014) is

a Community Emergency Response Team.

CERT members are volunteers from a

town, village or other local area, trained

and willing to respond to an emergency

and to provide support. They are vital in

increasing our resilience during

emergency incidents such as fires,

flooding, disease outbreak, major

transport disruption or a loss of utilities.

The Bedfordshire Local Resilience Forum

(BLRF) is made up of the “blue light

services” such as Police, Fire, Ambulance,

and Local Authorities (Bedford Borough,

Central Bedfordshire and Luton Borough).

It also includes the Bedfordshire Local

Emergency Volunteers Executive

Committee (BLEVEC). Bedfordshire CERT is

part of BLEVEC, along with other

emergency voluntary organisations such

as Midshires Search and Rescue, the

British Red Cross, Beds and Cambs 4x4

Recovery, Royal Voluntary Service.

Every CERT volunteer receives regular

training and is invited to attend large-

scale exercises alongside organisations

from the emergency service sector. Our

training events are designed to test our

members, and are realistic to reflect the

risks in our area. Scenarios have

previously included plane crashes, major

floods and severe weather.

During a large-scale emergency,

Bedfordshire CERT may be called in to

action by the Local Authority to work

alongside other emergency responders in

the area, or even elsewhere in the UK.

Bedfordshire CERT responders are given

the freedom to arrange their own

localised training and social events

depending on the needs of the

community and its members. Full support

and guidance is also available from

Emergency Planning Officers across the

Local Authorities.

As responders are all local, they bring a

level of expertise and local knowledge

that the emergency services often rely on.

We spend the vast majority of our time

preparing for large scale emergencies that

fortunately rarely occur, however it is

often the small-scale emergencies that

can have a negative impact on a

community and cause disruption.

By joining Bedfordshire CERT you can be

part of a team that is ready to assist

during these emergencies, helping build

resilience.


4

Community Emergency Plans

Every community is different; it is therefore important to identify what the specific risks are

in your area. A Community Emergency Plan will help do this, whilst ensuring you are

prepared, and have a plan to deal with the risks. An Emergency Planning Officer from the

Local Authority can assist you with your plan by providing a template, and by helping you to

complete it.

We may also provide your community with a grab box. This box will be held at a location

identified and known by the team, ready for deployment in the event of an emergency. The

contents of each grab box will differ depending on the risks in your area, below is an

example of the contents held in a standard box.

Assistance Centre Guide Stationery Box Incident Log Book Box Nitrile Gloves (Latex Free)

Visitor Registration Forms URN Cards Staff Register Flip chart paper pads Biodegradable cups

Hazard tape 5m roll out extension lead First Aid Kit CERT Hi-Viz Tabards

Encrypted USB Stick Hand held torch Blue-Tac Decision Log Book Hand-held Radios

Black refuse sacks Roll gaffa tape Box of pens


5

What Makes A Good Volunteer?

Essential Qualities

Ability to follow instructions

Effective communicator

Logical approach to problem solving

Team working

Awareness of the role of a Community Emergency Responder

Aware and respectful to the Emergency Services Hierarchy

Respectful, friendly and honest

Able to attend training sessions

Willing to work in the elements

Desirable Qualities

Able to work under pressure

Knowledge of local area

First Aid Trained

Full UK Driving licence


6

Training and Development

Due to the nature of CERT’s work, it is

essential that all of our volunteers are

appropriately trained. When you join

Bedfordshire CERT, you will be provided

with both mandatory and optional

training. This helps us to deliver our aim

‘To provide assistance and support to the

local community, in preparing for and

responding to an emergency’.

Mandatory Training

Induction course – One day course, normally

held at Central Bedfordshire Council Head

Office, Priory House in Chicksands. This course

is held up to 3 times a year, and will introduce

attendees to the role of a Community

Emergency Responder, covering the following

fundamental topics:

Types of Emergencies

Emergency Management (Command & Control)

Activation and response

Health and Safety at Emergencies

Standard Operating Procedures

Elements of Team working

Assistance Centres

Community Emergency Plans and Grab Box

Refresher course – One day course, normally

held at Central Bedfordshire Council Head

Office, Priory House in Chicksands. This course

is held annually, and will go over the

fundamental topics of Community Emergency

Response. This training will also give

responders the opportunity to discuss any

incidents of note, useful training and an

opportunity to share information and good

practice amongst the Bedfordshire CERT.

Mandatory training is required before you can

be considered ‘operational’. Mileage to

training sessions will be reimbursed.

Optional Training

Optional additional training is available

when relevant to your volunteer role with

CERT.

First Aid Assistance Centre Operative

Water Safety Awareness

Operational Emergency Management

Tactical Emergency Management

Joint Emergency Service Interoperability training

Continuous professional development opportunities

through attendance at exercises, conferences, workshops etc.

All training dates, times, and locations are

sent out to responders via e-mail.

Formal Roles

There are also opportunities to take on

formal emergency response roles such as:

CERT Coordinator BLEVEC Duty Officer

BLEVEC Operational Commander

BLEVEC Tactical Commander


7

The Notification Process

It is important to understand that emergencies do not occur every day, and there may be long

periods of time before you have the chance to provide assistance. However we cannot be

complacent, we must always be prepared and ready to respond.

Alongside responding to emergencies, Bedfordshire CERT gets involved in the prevention of

emergencies. This includes activities such as visiting people in the community, researching the local

area, door knocking, warning and informing. All of these activities are vital to keeping your local

community protected.

When an emergency does occur, you will receive a notification ascertaining your availability.

Messages follow a standard format, and will appear as ‘EMERGENCY, BEDFORDSHIRE CERT

REQUIRED, ARE YOU AVAILABLE?’ If you receive a text, please reply as soon as possible with ‘YES’

or ‘NO’, this will allow the CERT Coordinator to deploy resources as required. If you are not

available, you will receive no further correspondence from the Coordinator.

If you are available, further contact will be made to inform you of what the emergency is, and plan

of action which will include the following:

Who the leader/point of contact is A meeting place/Rendezvous point (RVP)

A meeting time

What the team is required to do

How long you may be required for


8

Uniform and Standards

Once you have completed the mandatory training, you will be issued with CERT uniform. The

standard issue uniform will consist of:

1 x T-shirt 1 x Hi-Viz vest

1 x ID Card

Other official CERT uniform is available to purchase upon request, and consists of:

Beanie Hat

Trousers

Rucksack

Safety boots

Bedfordshire CERT has a strict standard for appearance and uniform standards. You should take

care of all uniform, and replace any uniform that is damaged or not fit for purpose.

If standard issue uniform is lost, stolen, or damaged, you will have to meet the cost for new

uniform, however if the uniform is no longer fit for purpose due to wear and tear, a new uniform

will be issued to you.

When responding to emergencies, you must wear your issued uniform and ID card at all times.

This will allow other responders to identify you as a member of Bedfordshire CERT. Hi-viz jackets

should be fully zipped up, with your ID card placed in the holder on the breast of the jacket.


9

Our Values & Code of Conduct

There are 16 values that are embedded into the role of a Community Emergency Responser. These

values help to ensure that all responders across Bedfordshire CERT, can work safely, happily, and

with clarity.

Relationship – Maintain a positive relationship with your team

Reliable – Be reliable to attend training and respond to emergencies

Teamwork – Work effectively as a team

Fair – Always be fair to your team members

Caring – Care for your team members, and those you help in an emergency

Community – Represent your community in a positive way

Passion – Be passionate about protecting your community

Honesty – Be honest with your team members

Trust – Trust, and gain trust with your team members

Appreciation – Appreciate your team, and the time you each commit

Respect – Respect your team members and those you help in an emergency

Proffessionalism – Represent Bedfordshire CERT in a proffessional manner

Support – Support your team members, and your community

Responsibility – Be responsible for your own actions

Commitment – Be committed to Bedfordshire CERT

Consideration – Be considerate of your team members and those you help in an emergency.


10

Behaviour expectation of volunteers

Following on from values, there is also an expectation for responders to behave within the

guidelines set out below.

You must:

o Wear and maintain appropriate uniform and any PPE provided when responding

o Take responsibility for your own health and safety, reporting any concerns

You must not:

o Take or be under the influence of drugs or alcohol whilst responding to or engaged in CERT activities

o Take any risks with your personal safety, or the safety of others

o Engage or intervene in any public order offences or criminal activities

o Use offensive language, or make inappropriate jokes or remarks o Disrespect your colleagues, or those you assist in an emergency o Engage in any activity that could damage Bedfordshire CERT’s image or reputation

On becoming a member of Bedfordshire CERT, we ask that all responders read and agree to the

Values and Code of Conduct, and Behavioural Expectations form. This will form part of the

induction process.


11

What you can expect from us

You can expect:

We will always treat you with respect, appreciation and consideration

We will ensure you have a clear understanding of your responsibilities

We will provide you with ongoing support

Clarity with regard to your activities including attendance times, location, dress, breaks and travel and subsidy arrangements

Appropriate training for your role

Reimbursement of out-of-pocket and mileage expenses during response to an emergency

The type of support and communication you can expect from us will include:

A monthly evening training session

An information bulletin containing news and opportunities

Membership of the BLRF cloud storage folders

Access to a social network to get to know other responders and communities involved

From being a responder there are opportunities to:

Access to other education opportunities

Get involved with the local community

Put your existing skills to good use

Develop new skills

Enhance your CV

Meet new people and feel part of a team

Gain information, advice and guidance for further learning.

Impartiality

Bedfordshire CERT makes no discrimination as to nationality, race, religious beliefs, class or political

opinions. It endeavours to support the local community in the event of an emergency, and wishes

to possess a group of professional responders that reflects the communities that we serve.


12

Other useful information

Claiming Expenses

You will be able to claim expenses for the following during the response to an emergency:

Out of pocket expenses Mileage

You will be unable to claim expenses for the following:

Attendance at Training & Exercises

Bedfordshire CERT has a set form for expenses that are claimable. The form can be requested by

contacting [email protected] or via the BLEVEC on Box folders.

Your claim will need to be completed, and sent back to the above e-mail address, where it will be

reviewed and processed accordingly.

Health, Safety and Insurance

Health and safety is a fundamental topic that is discussed further as part of the mandatory

induction training.

The health and safety of all responders is of the utmost importance. Bedfordshire CERT is not a

corporate entity; it is a group of volunteers from across the County. Based on this, Bedfordshire

CERT does not have its own insurance policy. Insurance is provided by the statutory organisation

that endorses the tasks of the volunteers. This is important to note, and volunteers should seek

approval before responding to emergencies rather than self-deploying.

Certain roles will require Personal Protective Equipment (PPE); this will be issued upon completion

of role specific mandatory training. The PPE helps to protect responders from any potential harm

that may be encountered when dealing with an emergency.

At no point will a Community Emergency Responder be put in a situation that will endanger their

life. We are a voluntary response group, whose skills and capabilities do not match that of the

Emergency Services. Saving life is a statutory duty of the emergency services; Bedfordshire CERT is

established to help mitigate the effects of an emergency on the local community.

mailto:[email protected]


13

How to join Bedfordshire Community Emergency Response Team

Having read about Bedfordshire CERT and

what we do, we hope you have decided to

join us.

We are looking for helpful, willing and

organised individuals to come forward and

join our team.

As a CERT member you will be at the heart of

your community, volunteering to help the

people of your local towns and villages who

may need help.

Volunteer Recruitment Process

- Complete Application Form

- Provide Reference

- Attend an information interview

- Start the induction process

If you are unsure whether the role is for you

and you would like more information, call or

email us using the information below.

Telephone:

0300 300 4439

Email:

bedfordshireprepared@centralbedfordshire.

gov.uk

COMPLETE THE ONLINE APPLICATION FORM BY CLICKING HERE

(opens in a new window)

http://goo.gl/forms/W2MtYpxHBG







volunteer information & recruitment pack · opportunity to share information and good practice...

Documents