Emergency planning managers earn their keep by ensuring that the public remain safe and an organisation continue to function in the event of an unexpected and potentially dangerous event. They do this by putting procedures in place to help protect against and react to natural disasters, terrorist attacks, epidemics or large-scale industrial accidents.
This role requires not only forward-thinking but an understanding and awareness of the infrastructure within a business or public service such as the rail industry. An analytical and pragmatic approach is required for carrying out tasks such as risk assessments, while attention to detail is also of great importance. In order to write and deliver the plans and reports required of this position, candidates applying for vacancies through recruitment agencies should be capable of both excellent written and oral presentation skills. Emergency planning managers must also liaise with staff across all departments of a business and disseminate large bodies of information in drawing up disaster plans.
It is increasingly common for emergency planning managers to possess a specific degree in disaster management, international security or the like. Graduates with unrelated degrees, however, may gain a relevant qualification through one of a number of postgraduate courses available in the UK such as business continuity. Salaries range from £20,000 to £30,000 depending on experience, with employment opportunities increasing rapidly as both the public sector and private companies place more importance on the need to prepare for the unexpected.