Programme of events

Emergency Response 2008

08:45, 11 Dec 2008
RUSI, Whitehall, London, SW1A 2ET

Link to map: multimap

PLACES AVAILABLE: Open to all

About the event:

Preparing for emergencies and managing the emergency when it happens is a multi-staged process, with each stage being vital to the success of the operation. The ability to make effective emergency plans is dependent on realistic and relevant training. All the responder agencies need to know what resources are available, how these resources can be integrated and consolidated, and how their organisations will work together on the day.

From wide-area severe weather events to cross-border terrorism that requires international co-ordination, twenty-first century emergencies are increasingly complex. This makes a well-planned and well-coordinated emergency response more important than ever. Responders from the public, private and volunteer sectors as well as from businesses and community groups, and even individuals, need to be aware not only of the risks that may affect them but also of the measures they need to take to mitigate the effects of those risks.

This one-day workshop will explore many of the issues raised in the recently published Pitt Review and National Risk Register. It will look at the organisations involved in emergency response, consider the training and preparation they receive, and how lessons learned from previous emergencies can be used to inform future response.

Confirmed Contributors:

Bruce Mann, Director, Civil Contingencies Secretariat, Cabinet Office
Vanessa Spiller, Head of Emergency Planning and Response, British Red Cross
Peter Power, Managing Director, Visor Consultants
Alan Gardner, Managing Director, Emergency Planning Solutions
Ken Lawson, Director, Training & Doctrine, Emergency Planning College
Evelyne Cole, Senior Teaching Fellow in Civil Protection. Chair, Education Standards Group, Emergency Planning Society. Work Based Unit, Leeds University Business School
John Lee, Business Resilience Manager, Severn Trent Water
Kathy Settle, Deputy Director, Local Response Capability, Civil Contingencies Secretariat, Cabinet Office
Dr Liane Saunders, Head of Consular Crisis Group, Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Superintendent Mick Free, Emergency Procedures & DVI Co-ordinator, ACPO
Brigadier Chip Chapman, Directorate CT & Uk Ops (Mil)
Helen Shannon, Director, OCTO
Lt. Col. James Scott Clarke, JRLO for the HQ London District DRT
Major Mark Brookes R Signals, Chief of Staff 2 Signal Brigade

Key issues:

Exercises and training - How effective are emergency planning training exercises and how well does experience gained prepare responders for real emergencies?
Warning and informing the public - What constitutes information ‘overload’? Striking a balance between warning the public and scaremongering. Special consideration will be given to the handling of the successful evacuation of New Orleans ahead of Hurricane Katrina, and the failure to evacuate Texas ahead of Hurricane Ike.
Pressing the need for self-help - How reasonable is it to expect the public to make their own arrangements? What help should be given to organisations and individuals who have ignored preparedness advice or are underinsured?
Emergency preparedness: a legal precedent? - Should there be legal requirements on businesses to adhere to business continuity standards, with financial penalties for those who do not?
The role of the military in emergency response - How has the military been incorporated into recent emergency response and could military resources be better utilised?
Emergencies overseas - What help is available from the UK Government and the private sector to UK citizens caught up in emergencies overseas?

For further information and sponsorship opportunities, please contact Tom Mortimer, Project Manager, on +44 (0) 20 7747 2627 or tomm@rusi.org

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