Using handbooks and informative discussions

Agency representatives are using best practice approaches from an AIDR Handbook to create a new scheme that will enhance the efficiency of coordinating volunteers.

NSW State Emergency Service is utilising an AIDR Handbook to inform the development of a new framework to better coordinate its volunteers.

Manager, Volunteer Experience Andrew McCullough and his team at NSW SES are drawing from the key principles outlined in the Communities Responding to Disasters: Planning for Spontaneous Volunteers Handbook.

The learnings in the Handbook will inform The Spontaneous Volunteer Coordination Framework at NSW SES and test their existing thinking with subject matter experts.

“We look forward to hearing more about the framework and exploring opportunities to assist other organisations in implementing their approach in supporting communities responding to disasters,” Director, Engagement and Projects Amanda Lamont said.

The Handbooks team also attended an informative discussion earlier this month on disaster resilience and risk management at The University of Melbourne.

The seminar presented ideas from the tools and metrics that are used to measure resilience, the nuance between an individual’s resilience and vulnerability and the role of the government in achieving disaster resilience.

Kate Brady, the National Recovery Adviser for the Australian Red Cross Emergency Services, Mark Crosweller head of the National Resilience Taskforce in the Department of Home and Professor John Handmer spoke at the event where they shared many thought-provoking insights into their own research and experiences.