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Guidance for preparing Scotland

Explore our library of national guidance documents that assist Scotland in planning, responding and recovering from emergencies.

Philosophy, principles, structures and regulatory duties

This overarching guidance sets out the philosophy, principles and practices that act as the building blocks for resilience in Scotland. It is based on the experience and expertise of our resilience community.

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Detailed guidance about preparing Scotland

These documents support the Philosophy, principles, structures and regulatory duties guidance. Each document focuses on a specific area of emergency preparedness in Scotland.

Responding to emergencies in Scotland

Guidance on responding to emergencies in Scotland, outlining resilience principles, responder roles, legislation and best practice.

Recovering from emergencies in Scotland

Guidance on supporting communities to recover from emergencies. Outlines recovery principles, multi‑agency roles and the importance of early, coordinated action.

Warning and informing Scotland: Communicating with the public

This guidance explains how to communicate with the public before, during and after emergencies. It also outlines good practice for crisis communications.

Regional Resilience Partnerships Risk Preparedness Assessment guidance

Guidance on the RRPs' RPA process, including information on the Civil Contingencies Act 2004, the 4 stages of the assessment and the community risk register.

Care for people affected by emergencies

Guidance on offering care to those affected by an emergency, including the types of incidents and those affected, establishing a Care for People team and coordinating a multi-agency response, and communicating with the media and the public.

Building resilient communities

Guidance on strengthening community resilience in Scotland through preparedness, partnership working and community led emergency planning.

Guide to emergency planning for community groups

Advice for community groups to prepare for, respond to, and recover from emergencies.

Responding to the psychosocial and mental health needs of people affected by emergencies

Guidance on preparing for and providing psychosocial and mental health support for those affected by emergencies.

Having and promoting business resilience

Scottish guidance on business resilience. Includes principles, approach and good practice.

Dealing with mass fatalities in Scotland

This guidance explains how to deal with a mass fatalities emergency, including information on the approach to intensive and extensive emergencies.

Scientific and Technical Advice Cell (STAC) guidance

What a Scientific and Technical Advice Cell (STAC) is and its role in responding to an emergency in Scotland.

Exercise guidance

This guidance outlines practical tools for assisting in the planning, delivery and evaluation of exercises.

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