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
Bedfordshire Community Emergency Response Team Information Pack
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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.
Bedfordshire Community Emergency Response Team Information Pack
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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
Bedfordshire Community Emergency Response Team Information Pack
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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
Bedfordshire Community Emergency Response Team Information Pack
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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
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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
Bedfordshire Community Emergency Response Team Information Pack
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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.
Bedfordshire Community Emergency Response Team Information Pack
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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.
Bedfordshire Community Emergency Response Team Information Pack
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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.
Bedfordshire Community Emergency Response Team Information Pack
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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.
Bedfordshire Community Emergency Response Team Information Pack
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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.
Bedfordshire Community Emergency Response Team Information Pack
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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
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