1. Exercise Introduction
| Why | What | Who |
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Exercise Guidance
Introduction
Exercises play a key role in assisting Scotland be prepared for dealing with emergencies. They can range from structured events where participants explore specific issues, to playing out live the response to an incident. The purpose of this guidance is to provide a practical tool to assist in the planning, delivery and evaluation of exercises.
Section 2 - Mandatory Requirements and Recommended Good Practice
Introduction and purpose
This section sets out:
- the mandatory requirements, as described in the Act and the Regulations (see below), for Category 1 and Category 2 responders
- a range of issues and recommended good practices that responders, and occasionally others, should consider as they work to fulfil their duties and wider resilience objectives
- some suggested indicators of good practice, supporting assessment of performance and effective, ongoing realisation of regulatory obligations.
CHAPTER 6 – Emergency Powers
Emergency powers, which are reserved, allow the UK Government to make special temporary legislation (emergency regulations) as a last resort in the most serious of emergencies where existing legislation is insufficient to ensure a properly effective response. Emergency regulations may make provision of any kind that could be made by an Act of Parliament or by exercise of the Royal Prerogative, so long as such action is needed urgently and is both necessary and proportionate in the circumstances.
CHAPTER 5 – Resilience Governance Arrangements in Scotland
This chapter sets out resilience governance structures in Scotland. It is broken into two parts: the 'preparation' stage and the 'response/recovery' stage, highlighting the bodies involved and their respective roles.
CHAPTER 4 – Management Structures
Response to every emergency requires to be tailored to the particular circumstances prevailing. These circumstances will dictate the appropriate level of management required. The key principle is having the right people in the right place at the right time.
CHAPTER 3 – Integrated Emergency Management: Guidance and Principles
The development of resilience in Scotland is based on the principle of Integrated Emergency Management (IEM). The aim of IEM is to develop flexible and adaptable arrangements for dealing with emergencies, whether foreseen or unforeseen. It is based on a multi-agency approach and the effective co-ordination of those agencies. It involves Category 1 and Category 2 responders (as defined in the Act) and also the voluntary sector, commerce and a wide range of communities.
CHAPTER 2 - Legislation
Preparing Scotland is underpinned by the principal legislation involved, the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (the Act) and the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (Contingency Planning) (Scotland) Regulations 2005 (the Regulations), as amended in the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (Contingency Planning)(Scotland) Amendment Regulations 2013 and the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 (Amendment of List of Responders) (Scotland) Order 2021.
Section 1 - PHILOSOPHY AND STRUCTURES: CHAPTER 1 - Introduction
Resilience
We live in a complex and increasingly interdependent society. Whilst this brings many benefits, it also leaves us, potentially, more vulnerable to a number of challenges. These challenges take many forms, both new and old. Our vulnerabilities around power supply and information technology are relatively new, whilst others, such as pandemic disease and severe weather incidents, have been with us for centuries.
Philosophy, Principles, Structure and Regulatory Duties
MINISTERIAL FOREWORD
Resilience is everyone’s business. Individuals, communities, emergency services and the wider public sector including Scottish Government, as well as voluntary organisations and businesses all have their part to play in making Scotland safe and secure.