Emergency Preparedness and Civil Protection (UniCert, CertHE)

“The Civil Contingencies Act 2004 makes provision about civil contingencies, that is, emergency preparedness planning, protection and management. The Act places legal obligations for increased co-operation and information sharing between different emergency services and also non-emergency services that might have a role in an emergency.”

This programme has been designed to support civil protection professionals in the UK to obtain a vocational academic qualification in their chosen profession. It is targeted at all personnel who may become involved in emergencies. Participants might be in the public sector (e.g. Local Authorities, Police, Fire Service and Rescue, Ambulance, Health etc.), the private sector (e.g. utility companies) or NGOs.

The programme aims to develop a shared understanding of multi-agency prevention, preparation, response and recovery arrangements across responding agencies. The programme supports those individuals and organisations which have a role to play in the civil protection framework and those organisations subject to duties under the Act.

Close liaison has taken place with representatives for emergency response within the public sector including Local Authority Emergency planning teams, in the development of the programme, as they understand and determine the required skill set of the learner.

On successful completion of the University Certificate, there is an opportunity for learners to ‘top-up’ this award by studying a further 3 modules totalling 120 credits to achieve a Certificate in Higher Education.