The role of convergent volunteers during a flood emergency
Research investigating whether the role of untrained, spontaneous volunteers in flood emergencies should be included in flood policy.
Documents
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Details
Background
The effectiveness of emergency flood response depends in part on the weight and timeliness of that response. An overwhelming response can save lives and protect property. However, the limited availability of emergency responders / equipment means that demand for lifesaving help could exceed the supply.
Some volunteers represent organised voluntary sector bodies, such as the British Red Cross, and have undertaken training for the tasks they perform. A volunteer from an organised voluntary sector body is likely to be a suitably qualified and experienced person (SQEP) who can safely work independently. However, other volunteers may come together on the day. These spontaneous volunteers may or may not be SQEP and may not use equipment that’s safe.
Approach
This research assesses this convergent volunteering in a flood emergency. It explores the dimensions that should be considered when developing plans to involve convergent volunteers, and whether these dimensions should be presented as national policy.
It assumes that guidance on using convergent volunteers during floods should be included in policy and provides a clearly defined range of dimensions for inclusion. It identifies questions and provides answers on this topic at national level and considers the level of support required to aid the implementation of the policy.
Findings
This report presents findings showing that national non-statutory guidance is required to inform the official involvement of spontaneous volunteers during a flood. Although responsibility for the involvement of spontaneous volunteers during emergencies is with local councils, many emergency managers seemed unaware of this. It details the aspects that emergency managers need to consider when developing a local plan for how to manage spontaneous volunteers.
This project ran from 2013 to 2014 at a cost of £82,011.