Public Health Emergency Planning Officer

The London Borough of Hillingdon is seeking a proactive and knowledgeable Emergency Management & Resilience Officer to support the Council’s statutory responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to borough-wide resilience and emergency preparedness, ensuring that our residents are protected and supported in times of crisis.

About the Role

As the Council’s subject matter expert on emergency planning and resilience, you will play a key advisory role, including providing guidance to the Corporate Management Team during emergencies and major incidents. You’ll be responsible for developing, reviewing, and maintaining comprehensive emergency plans and capabilities that align with statutory, government, and corporate priorities — always keeping our commitment to ‘putting residents first’ at the core of your work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as an internal advocate for emergency preparedness and resilience, promoting awareness across the organisation and championing the Emergency Management and Response Service (EMRS).

• Build and maintain strong partnerships with the London Resilience Unit, other local authorities, and key regional and national stakeholders.

• Lead the review and maintenance of the Borough Risk Register, incorporating national, regional, and local risks, and proactively identifying emerging threats.

• Oversee and coordinate the development, testing, and validation of emergency response and major incident plans.

• Deliver a robust training programme to ensure Council staff are prepared to respond effectively in an emergency, and develop a diverse cohort of trained responders.

• Maintain and manage key operational systems including the on-call duty rota and emergency response technology.

• Support the delivery of the Council’s business continuity objectives and contribute to the annual Emergency Management and Response Strategy in collaboration with the Hillingdon Resilience Forum.

• Ensure all Service Level Agreements (SLAs) related to emergency preparedness are up-to-date, monitored, and escalated appropriately when required.

• Develop and implement a succession plan for key roles within the service to ensure operational continuity.

• Assist in managing the service budget and ensure all procurement activities are aligned with corporate policy.

• Represent the Council in coordinating mutual aid during major incidents or emergencies.

• Continuously evaluate and improve systems, processes, and plans to ensure efficiency and effectiveness across the service.

What We’re Looking For:

• A confident and collaborative professional with experience in emergency planning, civil protection, or a related field.

• Strong knowledge of the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and associated policy frameworks.

• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders and work across multiple agencies.

• A proactive approach to risk assessment, service improvement, and public safety.

• Demonstrated experience in training delivery and stakeholder engagement.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a job — it’s a chance to make a real impact. Your work will ensure that Hillingdon remains resilient in the face of emergencies, safeguarding the wellbeing of residents, businesses, and the wider community.

• Flexible Working Hours – We recognise the importance of flexibility in managing your work and personal life.
• 36 Hour Week – Enjoy a standard 36-hour workweek for all full time staff. 
• Generous Holiday Entitlement – increasing with length of service (for non-casual roles).
• Hillingdon Sports & Leisure – Stay active and healthy with discounts at council owned leisure centres and swimming pools across the borough.
• Salary Sacrifice Schemes – option to join schemes for cycle purchase, electric vehicle leasing and additional voluntary pension contributions (subject to scheme rules).
• Cycle to Work – Eco-friendly commuting with our cycle purchase scheme. We also provide bicycle parking, lockers, and showers at the Civic Centre.
• Local Government Pension Scheme – access to Local Government Pension Scheme and membership to the Credit Union.
• Vivup Benefits – Access a variety of offers and discounts through our Vivup Benefits.
• Mental Health Support and Counselling Services – Our mental health first aiders are trained to identify, understand, and help employees experiencing mental health issues. Access free 24-hour confidential advice and counselling as well as a legal advice service for you and your immediate family.
• Travel Support – Make your daily commute easier with our season ticket loans and free car parking.  
  

• Standard DBS Check
• 3 years of Referencing