Emergency Planning and Business Continuity Officer

Full Time - Fixed Term for 23 Months

The post sits within the Health, Safety & Risk Management Team and will report to the existing Emergency Planning & Business Continuity Officer.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service.

About the role

We are committed to maintaining operational excellence even in the face of unforeseen challenges. As part of our commitment to preparedness for unforeseen events, we are seeking a dedicated professional to support and develop our emergency planning and business continuity efforts.

The range of responsibilities of the post include:

* Liaising with colleagues across the Council to provide corporate advice and support on emergency planning, risk management and business continuity, including the public safety aspects of these functions.

* Updating the Council’s emergency/business continuity plans, and those Local Resilience Forum (LRF) plans for which the Council has lead responsibility, including those for which there is a statutory requirement imposed by the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 or other legislation.

* Being a tactical advisor for the Council’s response to emergencies, reporting to senior managers and elected members, and making recommendations in respect of the Council’s response.

* Working with other Berkshire Unitary Authority Emergency Planning Officers and participating in joint exercises with the emergency services and other LRF organisations.

* Supporting the building of community resilience amongst partner organisations in the Thames Valley.

* Providing appropriate support, advice and training to Council teams to ensure that they are able to respond and to continue to deliver services during emergencies.

You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.

Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team - work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.

Drive Efficiency - show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.

Be Ambitious - be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.

Make a Difference to Reading - maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.

About you

You will be a hands-on practical person with strong analytical skills and the ability to assess complex situations and develop effective strategies. Excellent communications and interpersonal skills are essential, as are plan-writing abilities and the ability to work collaboratively across all levels of the organisation. You’ll have the ability to remain calm and composed under pressure, with a commitment to maintaining professionalism in high-stress situations.

This post will suit a newly qualified emergency planner or someone wishing to develop their existing skills and experience within the field of emergency planning, business continuity and resilience more broadly.

Our offer

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you’ll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.

A competitive salary is offered alongside a range of benefits including:

* Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave.

* A wide range of flexible working opportunities.

* Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.

* Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).

* Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).

* On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.

* Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/bus journey, to and from work.

* Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.

For more information on this position please contact Julian Williams, Emergency Planning & Business Continuity Officer on (phone number removed).

Closing Date: 30th April 2024

Interview Date: To be confirmed

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment