UK Resilience

Central Government Emergency Response Training

Introduction

The aim of the Central Government Emergency Response Training Course is to equip people with the knowledge, skills and awareness necessary for their role in crisis management at the national strategic level. It is also designed to familiarise those in departmental emergency organisations, in Devolved and Regional Government, and in Strategic Co-ordination Groups with the Central Response structure and processes.

The Directed Reading Package for Module 2 of the course is also very useful for those not planning to attend the course who wish to know more about central government response to emergencies.

Course Scope and Structure

The course addresses three objectives:

• Promoting a good knowledge of the processes, procedures and allocation of responsibilities in crisis management, based upon the Concept of Operations;
• Developing particular skills needed for crisis management such as the use of planning techniques, preparing situation reports, tracking progress and using various bespoke systems;
• Highlighting the unique working styles and leadership qualities such as dealing with uncertainty, high-tempo decision-making and specific communications skills.

The course is modular in nature and the specific content can be varied according to the role that the attendees fulfil. To assist in targeting the training effectively, potential attendees will need to identify which of the following groups best describes their role:

• Group A - Support Personnel: administrative, technical and operational support staff working across the Central Response organisation
• Group B – Advisors: officials within the Central Response working in Departmental cells and members of Government Liaison Teams.
• Group C – Delegates: Predominantly senior staff, liable to attend Strategy Group meetings, the Civil Contingencies Committee (Official) or who have a leadership role in crisis management. Those people leading departmental crisis management teams may also wish to be included in this group.
• Group D – External ‘Interfaces’: Officials in Regional Government, GOLD Commanders and those in departmental crisis management centres who will be required to communicate with the ‘Central Response’ organisation.

Separate arrangements also exist to acquaint Ministers and senior officials in some of the unique aspects of crisis management leadership and process management.

The training modules are structured as follows:

• Module 1: Orientation and familiarisation with the national crisis management facilities.
• Module 2: Understanding the concepts of crisis management at the national Strategic Level.
• Module 3: Managing information and support processes.
• Module 4: Making strategic decisions in crisis management.
• Modules 3 and 4 include a simulation exercise.

Full list of course dates (Updated - April 2008)

Notes:

All participants in Groups A – D should undertake Modules 1 and 2, then one further module appropriate to their grade and role - therefore:

• Group A undertake Module 3 (one full day)
• Group B undertake a module that combines elements of 3 & 4 (one full day)
• Group C undertake Module 4 (half day),
• Group D will undertake a combined Module 1 & 4 tailored to their specific requirements (one full day)

Therefore, on completion of CGERT:

• Group A participants will have done Modules 1, 2 and 3
• Group B participants will have done Modules 1, 2 and a combined 3 & 4
• Group C participants will have done Modules 1, 2 and 4
• Group D will have done a combined Module 1 & 4

All CGERT training is provided free of charge to departments.

• Training for Groups A – C takes place in COBR or alternative Cabinet Office facilities in central London.

• Training for Group D will take place at the appropriate regional locations.

• All attendees for the training that is held in COBR require a minimum of SC security clearance.

All CGERT courses are run by a cross-Cabinet Office team that includes the Counter Terrorism & Crisis Management Team, the Civil Contingencies Secretariat (CCS) and the Emergency Planning College (EPC). For general enquiries please contact Peter Bull at peter.bull@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk, tel 020 7276 0833, and for course dates and bookings contact David Hart at david.hart@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk, tel 020 7276 0361. Download a full list of dates. 

Directed Reading Package – Module 2

Module 2 consists mainly of a package of directed reading that can be completed at a time and pace of the trainees choosing. A ‘check of understanding’ is included in subsequent modules and attendees will be required to apply that knowledge during the course. As a result, the reading must be undertaken prior to attending Modules 3-5. The directed reading list, with links, is shown below...

Enquiries

For general enquiries please contact Peter Bull at peter.bull@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk, tel 020 7276 0833, and for course dates and bookings contact David Hart at david.hart@cabinet-office.x.gsi.gov.uk, tel 020 7276 0361.

Directed Reading

MODULE 2: Understanding the Organisation of Crisis Management at the National Strategic Level

All objectives are expressed as statements of what the trainee will be able to do on completion of the prescribed reading.

Group A

Information Support Staff

Group B

Advisers

Group C

Delegates and CO Crisis Management Staff

Group D

External Interface Staff