Integrated emergency management

Resilience in Scotland is built upon the principles of Integrated Emergency Management (IEM) in which preparation and response to emergencies focuses on the effects of hazards rather than their causes.

IEM is undertaken as an extension of a local responder's normal day to day activities, defined as its functions in the Civil Contingencies Act. Performing those functions at all stages of the resilience cycle is fundamental to IEM. For example, the same people will provide specialist scientific advice in the immediate aftermath of an emergency or in the longer term.

Recovery is one of five key activities that supports IEM, as set out in the Integrated Emergency Management: Guidance and Principles. It explains that: “Recovery addresses the human, physical, environmental and economic impact of emergencies. Recovery should be an integral part of the combined response as actions taken at all times can influence the longer‑term outcomes for communities.”

Recovery complements the immediate response to emergencies by seeking to minimise the harmful effects on people and communities. It is sensible to integrate and harmonise the management arrangements for preparation, response and recovery. A key feature of IEM is that the same basic management structure will apply at those times although its leadership and focus may change.

RPs have adopted IEM and the management framework described in the Preparing Scotland guidance. The basis for managing recovery is, therefore, in place. The guidance below explores how it can be adapted and, where necessary, extended to meet the needs of those managing recovery.