Emergency Planning & Business Continuity Officer

Job Description

The London Borough of Harrow is looking for a proactive and resilient Emergency Planning & Business Continuity Officer to join its Corporate Strategy division. This vital role supports the Deputy Head of Resilience in ensuring the Council meets its statutory responsibilities under the Civil Contingencies Act 2004 and the Resilience Standards for London. You will lead on key emergency planning and business continuity projects, helping to safeguard the borough and its residents against disruption and crisis.

As part of a dynamic team, you will build strong relationships across the Council and with external partners, offering expert advice and coordinating responses to incidents. You will play a central role in developing and testing emergency plans, delivering training, and managing the Emergency Response Team when required. The post demands a calm and decisive approach, particularly during live emergencies, where you may be required to lead the Council’s response and make rapid decisions with limited information.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to Harrow’s preparedness and resilience, working collaboratively to protect services and communities. If you thrive under pressure, enjoy strategic planning, and are committed to public service, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The successful candidate will have:

• A strong understanding of emergency planning, business continuity, and the Civil Contingencies Act 2004.

• Proven experience in leading projects and developing strategic plans within a public sector or resilience-focused environment.

• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across all levels and with external partners.

• Confidence in making fast, informed decisions during high-pressure situations or live emergencies.

• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.

• A proactive and self-motivated approach, with the ability to work independently and take initiative.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint, for producing clear reports and presentations.

For more information, please refer to the Role Profile/ Selection Criteria

About us

Harrow Council is the 12th largest London borough and one of the most culturally diverse local authorities in the UK, making it a great place to live, work and visit with a range of cultures, religions and opinions that come together to produce high achieving schools and a close and friendly community. Located 10 miles from the city centre and just 13 minutes to Euston from Harrow & Wealdstone station there are great transport links via the Metropolitan Line, Watford DC Line and national rail service. It is easily accessible to the M1, M25 and A406.

Other information

Support for candidates visit:Harrow.gov.uk Our behavioural indicators roles below G11 and above G11 Here at Harrow Council, the vision is one of 'Working together to make a difference for Harrow' Please click here to view Harrow Council's benefits

Important Note

To deliver our commitment to equality of opportunity in service provision, all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. All sections of the population will have equal access to jobs at the London Borough of Harrow. No applicant or employee will receive less favourable treatment because of age, disability, gender, reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy, or maternity unless a Genuine Occupational Qualification applies. As such, we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds. For further information, please read our equality statement.

As a disability-confident employer, we are committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and accessible to everyone. This includes reasonably adjusting the recruitment process for those with disabilities or long-term health conditions. For further information, please contact us at resourcing@harrow.gov.uk

London Borough of Harrow is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Harrow operates stringent, safer recruitment procedures.

Due to the high number of applications received for some posts, we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.

Harrow redeployees will be given priority consideration.

The personal information we have collected from you will be shared with Cifas who will use it to prevent fraud, other unlawful or dishonest conduct, malpractice, and other seriously improper conduct. If any of these are detected you could be refused certain services or employment. Your personal information will also be used to verify your identity. Further details of how your information will be used by us and Cifas, any your data protection rights, can be found by visiting www.cifas.org.uk/fpn